OFFICIAL: Elliotte Friedman has finally confirmed the rumor involving Jake Allen and four other goalies

PUBLICATION

Elias Edmonson
January 8, 2024 (1:38 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

We have all heard about the rumors involving Jake Allen.

He is reportedly on the trading block, and Kent Hughes is trying to get the most for his services.

In a recent appearance on NHL Network, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman said, much as he had before the holidays, that the CH's GM is asking for a high price.

« Allen is definitely available, he has one more year on his contract, but the Canadiens are asking for a higher price. » - Elliotte Friedman

This confirms that Allen is available, a rumor that has been circulating for a long time.

Jake Allen among the 5 goalies actively on the market!

Allen is not the only goalie on the market. Friedman took advantage of his appearance on the network to confirm that four other netminders were indeed available in the NHL.

These are: John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks), Jacob Markstrom (Calgary Flames), Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Kaapo Kahkonen (San Jose Sharks).

Kent Hughes will therefore face competition if he absolutely wants the price he has set for his goalie's services. In addition to his salary of $3.85M per season, for two more years, the veteran's recent performances have been poor. He has only one win (and one overtime loss) in his last ten games and struggles, in 14 starts this season, to maintain a save percentage of over .900 (he is currently right on the line).

But it's no better with the other goalies. Gibson earns a salary of $6.4M until the end of the 2027-2028 season. The Ducks will likely have to retain some salary, unless GM Pat Verbeek, who is an excellent negotiator, can pull off a magic trick.

Merzlikins' salary, which is $5.4M until the end of 2026-2027, will not be easy to move either. Not to mention his difficulties this season, which will not make the task easy for his GM.

It's not any better for Markstrom, who earns $6M until the end of the 2025-2026 season and also has a no-trade clause.

According to Friedman's comments, the one who is in the best position to leave would be Kahkonen. He is having an excellent season, but the question is whether he is capable of being a number one on a contending team when he has never been one before.