Important development regarding Jake Allen with the Montreal Canadiens

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Elias Edmonson
June 22, 2023 (3:57 PM)

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The situation of the goaltenders in front of the Montreal Canadiens' net has been particularly talked about since the last season.

The duo composed of Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen isn't necessarily the sexiest in the NHL, and the difficult campaign last year raised some questions regarding the performance of veteran Allen.

In 42 starts, he posted a goals against average of 3.55 and a very ordinary efficiency rate of 0.891. It's frankly disappointing for a goaltender who will be paid $3.85M for the next two seasons.

Several rumors have circulated about the possibility of the Canadiens trading Allen, with the aim of making room for Cayden Primeau, who will have to go through waivers at the beginning of next year, if he is assigned to Laval, or by acquiring a young established goaltender.

However, major information surfaced thanks to Raphaël Doucet from La Poche Bleue. According to the remarks he reported from a source close to the case, Allen will start next season with the Canadiens.

"Montembeault did well this season, but you can't come with two 'maybes' in front of the net. With Allen, they know where they're going. He didn't have the season he wanted, he played injured, but now, he's back at 100%. He wants and he can become the goalie he used to be."

Now 33 years old, some believe that Allen no longer has his former form to assume good performances over a full campaign. However, Doucet's source believes that last year's downturn is an exception and that he will rebound next year.

Let's hope he's right, because if Allen can't adequately back up Montembeault's work, the 2023-2024 season looks to be another very difficult one in Montreal.