Major decision regarding Jake Allen: It may have cost the Canadiens the excellent young Quebecer goaltender Yaniv Perets

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Elias Adaime
April 21, 2023 (9:09 PM)

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A few weeks ago, Kent Hughes reached an agreement with young Jakub Dobes on a two-year contract. He later joined the Laval Rocket organization to become familiar with professional hockey. Even though he has not yet played a single game in the AHL, his experience will be very enriching.

With the departure of Carey Price and uncertainties surrounding Cayden Primeau, it is highly likely that the club's management hopes to find a gem in goal for the future of the organization. If it's not Dobes, they will have to look elsewhere. However, it seems that Kent Hughes recently shot himself in the foot with his goaltender management, which apparently caused him to miss out on the opportunity to add a young and talented Quebecer to his ranks.

Indeed, as reported by JB Gagné from the website DLC, the Canadiens GM had the opportunity to acquire the best goalie in the NCAA, Yaniv Perets.

However, the latest turned to the Carolina Hurricanes because Hughes could not guarantee him a two-way contract (NHL/AHL).

The 23-year-old, Dollard-des-Ormeaux native excelled in the NCAA this season with Quinnipiac University, posting an extraordinary goals-against average of 1.17 and a save percentage of .939 in 31 games. These numbers earned him the title of Player of the Year in the ECAC conference.

The reason for the Canadiens' very modest offer is undoubtedly the contract extension given by Hughes last summer to Jake Allen, which was a major decision at the time. While it may have seemed like a good decision at the time of signing, it's certainly less attractive now, as the veteran goalie's performance leaves some uncertainties.

With Allen signed for $3.85 million for the next two seasons, Samuel Montembeault under contract for another season at $1 million, and Cayden Primeau needing to clear waivers next season, Hughes is handcuffed. Unless there is a surprise trade involving Jake Allen, who is no longer popular among fans, it's impossible to improve the team's goaltending position in the short to medium term.

All that remains is to hope that Primeau will show us some new and surprising things soon and that Dobes will impress!