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Canadiens acquire defenseman Jon Merrill in trade with Red Wings

The Montreal Canadiens added some depth to their blueline on Sunday after acquiring Jon Merrill from the Detroit Red Wings for a 2021 fifth-round pick and forward Hayden Verbeek.

Merrill, 29, has appeared in 36 of Detroit’s 43 games played this season. The 2010 second-round pick has recorded zero goals and five assists, but has blocked 58 shots, which is tied for 44th amongst all blueliners during the campaign. Over eight seasons with the Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils, Merrill's totaled 12 goals, 54 assists, 494 blocks and 354 hits in 392 career games.

The Montreal Canadiens addressed their blueline Sunday, acquiring Jon Merrill from the Detroit Red Wings ahead of the trade deadline. (Photo by Scott Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Montreal Canadiens addressed their blueline Sunday, acquiring Jon Merrill from the Detroit Red Wings ahead of the trade deadline. (Photo by Scott Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Heading to the other way to Detroit, Verbeek is an undrafted 23-year-old who has played 61 games in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, posting five goals and five assists. A smaller forward, listed at 5'10" and 183 lbs, Verbeek notched 30 goals and 61 points in 67 games during his final season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.

This is the second trade the Montreal Canadiens have made in the lead-up to the NHL trade deadline. On March 26, the Habs acquired Eric Staal from the Buffalo Sabres for a third-round pick and fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft.

For the Red Wings, this is the third trade the organization has made as the deadline nears. On April 10, Detroit acquired a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft as part of a three-way trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Earlier in the week, Detroit sent defenseman Patrik Nemeth to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2022 fourth-round pick.

The NHL trade deadline is set for Monday at 3 p.m. ET with several high-quality players still available.

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