Inevitable trade with the Canadiens: Kent Hughes' summer is far from over

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MarcO
August 8, 2023 (0:35)

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According to many experts, the chances of seeing Jeff Petry wear the Canadiens' jersey on October 10th are becoming less and less likely. Indeed, the vast majority of observers expect Kent Hughes to trade the defenseman in the coming weeks.

However, the Canadiens' general manager may be forced to make a second trade before the start of the season. The arrival of Casey DeSmith puts the front office in a tough situation, as four goalies (Montembeault, Allen, DeSmith, and Primeau) now have NHL contracts for the 2023-2024 season.

Although Cayden Primeau may potentially be destined to return to the Laval Rocket, it would be surprising if Martin St-Louis decides to keep three goalies in his lineup, especially when considering that the Canadiens have 14 forwards and 9 defensemen under contract.

Could the addition of Casey DeSmith force management to trade Jake Allen soon? The 33-year-old veteran struggled last season, compiling a record of 15 wins, 24 losses, and 3 overtime losses. Additionally, the goalie registered a rather disappointing goals-against average of 3.55 and a save percentage of 0.891.

Samuel Montembeault proved last season that he is ready to take on greater responsibilities in the Canadiens' net, and it becomes evident that he will be the team's number one goalie to start the season. Furthermore, Casey DeSmith displayed better statistics than Jake Allen in 2023-2024, and his contract would be much less costly for the Canadiens, with a salary of $1.8 million next year.

» A goalie trio doesn't work. I'd like us to give all the space to Samuel Montembeault and tell him: 'You are the number one goalie.' I think we would like to trade Allen. DeSmith could be Montembeault's backup." - Michel Bergeron

One thing is for sure, Kent Hughes' summer is far from over. The Canadiens' general manager will need to find a way to trade some contracts, as the Montreal organization currently exceeds the limit of 23 maximum players with 26 players under contract. While Casey DeSmith is an interesting option to back up Montembeault, he could be the goalie sacrificed.

Moreover, just like Jeff Petry, the Canadiens made no announcement to welcome the 31-year-old goalie following yesterday's major trade, and he has not yet met with the media. Additionally, according to information reported by Simon-Olivier Lorange of La Presse, Kent Hughes has not yet contacted Casey DeSmith, which is usually customary when a team acquires a player.

"Furthermore, La Presse was able to confirm with DeSmith's agent that he had not yet had formal communication with Kent Hughes. This does not seem like the beginning of a flourishing relationship between an organization and its new backup goalie." - Simon-Olivier Lorange

There is no doubt that the Montreal Canadiens may possibly attempt to trade one of their goalies before training camp. Who will leave? Jake Allen? Casey DeSmith? We will have to wait a few weeks for a definitive answer to this issue, but expect the Canadiens' general manager to make other transactions.