Trade Involving Jake Allen and the Montreal Canadiens: the Avalanche Wants Another and Former Organization Member Stéphane Waite Weighs In

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Elliot Ben Jacob
September 16, 2023 (12:08)

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With the rise of Samuel Montembeault last year, it can be said that Jake Allen's role has been somewhat diminished, especially in the second half of the season.

However, the veteran goalkeeper had put up solid performances in front of the Canadiens' net and allowed his team to have a somewhat respectable start to the 2022-2023 season.

That being said, we are a month away from the 2023-2024 season and unless there is an unexpected turnaround, we should see the Allen-Montembeault duo in goal, unless a certain Casey DeSmith shuffles the deck.

Moreover, Allen is starting the new contract he signed a year ago which binds him to the Canadiens for the next two seasons. But as reported by Marc-Olivier Cook, from the site Danslescoulisses.com, a former goaltender coach believes that this agreement granted by Kent Hughes is probably his worst personnel move since he became the GM of the Canadiens.

During his appearance on 98.5, Stéphane Waite stated that he would try to pass Allen's contract onto another team.

"If I am the Canadiens, I would do everything to pass his contract somewhere else."

The former goaltender coach of the Canadiens defended his point by mentioning that the organization should give a real chance to Cayden Primeau, as he is ready to be a regular goalkeeper in the NHL.

It must be admitted that the idea of trading Jake Allen makes sense because, if ever the CH is unable to find success this season, Hughes might be tempted to trade his veteran goalkeeper and, somewhat like Joel Edmundson last year, his value could be interesting.

But where I totally disagree with Waite is his stance concerning Primeau. It has been three seasons now that the young goalie has had several chances to prove himself and it can be said that he hasn't broken anything so far, in the NHL.

Currently, he is the fourth goalkeeper in the Canadiens' hierarchy and if ever he were to be relegated to the Laval Rocket, which is highly likely to happen, he would have to go through waivers.

Returning to Allen, even though he is 33 years old, he remains a reliable asset in front of the Canadiens' net and, if ever Montembeault gets injured and had to be absent for a long period, Martin St-Louis would be very happy to be able to rely on his veteran.

Let's remember that the Colorado Avalanche is currently looking for a goalkeeper and they seem to enjoy negotiating trades with Kent Hughes.