The Montreal Canadiens made a unique decision at the start of the season by carrying three goalies on their roster, primarily to protect rookie goaltender Cayden Primeau from potential waivers. General Manager Kent Hughes explained that they were hesitant to expose Primeau to waivers, believing that another team would likely claim him. The initial plan was not to retain three goalies throughout the season, and while it’s still uncertain whether they will make a goaltender trade, Hughes acknowledged the possibility. The rationale behind this strategy was to ease a rookie’s transition to the NHL without subjecting him to undue pressure. However, the season-ending with three goalies is less than ideal.
Despite the potential interest in Primeau due to injuries in other teams at the season’s start, the Canadiens opted to keep him. Sam Montembeault’s re-signing during the season indicates that he is likely to stay, while Primeau, showing promise and outperforming Jake Allen, may be a viable trade option. The sentiment is that the Canadiens may have missed the opportune moment to trade Allen, who had a strong start to the season but has since experienced a decline in performance, winning only two of his past 11 games with a .900 save percentage (SV%) or better in just five of those games.
In a league where teams often seek veteran goaltenders for insurance and playoff depth, Allen could be an attractive trade target for teams with younger starters or goaltenders in tandem. The Canadiens, however, have yet to make a move in a market where teams are actively looking for goaltending help, leaving fans and analysts curious about their goaltending strategy as the season progresses.
The Montreal Canadiens might End the Season on a disappointing note.
It’s established that Montembeault won’t be the goaltender moved this season, leaving Primeau and Allen as potential candidates. Primeau, a promising young goalie, fits well with the Canadiens’ future, even if they have solid prospects in their system. The team’s rebuild could conclude sooner if they maintain good health, making immediate options valuable. Primeau aligns more with the future vision than Allen. Despite the prevailing view favoring Allen as the one to be traded, Kent Hughes’ statement expressing uncertainty about a goalie trade being 100 percent imminent raises concerns. The period of teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes being desperate for goaltending help has passed. Presently, teams like the New Jersey Devils are seeking cost-effective or better/longer-term options than Allen.
The Canadiens, sitting at .500 and six points out of a playoff spot, face the challenge of surpassing five teams to secure a playoff berth. With half the season remaining, competition from strong teams, and the trade deadline looming, Hughes may still be attempting to trade Allen. However, receiving any value or finding a team willing to take him at this point could yield a minimal return.
Reports suggest Hughes isn’t getting the return he desires, indicating he is receiving something. This scenario may lead the Canadiens to finish the season with three goalies, presenting challenges in the offseason when moving players becomes even more difficult without the urgency seen during the season.
