Major surprise with the Canadiens: Jake Allen sent to waivers? This just surfaced as a real possibility

PUBLICATION

Elias Edmonson
October 7, 2023 (10:13)

SHARE THIS STORY

While the Canadiens had four goaltenders with NHL contracts before training camp, Kent Hughes managed to offload one by sending Casey DeSmith to Vancouver. So, only three candidates remain for the two available positions with the CH: Samuel Montembeault, Jake Allen, and Cayden Primeau.

However, due to the fact that Monty and Allen weren't reassuring during the preseason games, and young Primeau's excellent performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs, many believe that if he were to be sent to waivers to be assigned to Laval, he would likely be claimed.

At just 24 years old, if the CH were to lose him, it would be a significant loss, given that the team's prospects for this position are far from ready to fill the potential void of his departure from the organization.

To avoid a possible claim, the Tricolore's management seems interested in starting the year with a trio of goalies to clarify the situation in the net.

In connection with the start of the new season, journalist Simon-Olivier Lorange from La Presse raised an astonishing point that there might even be a waiver surprise, not involving Primeau.

"I really have a left-field proposal: if Jake Allen doesn't have a good start to the season, I'd send him to Laval."

Simon-Olivier Lorange

Wow! That would be quite a turn of events!

If we base it on the 33-year-old veteran's preseason performance and his performance in recent years, we must admit that he hasn't done anything to justify that he would be more solid in the Canadiens' net than Primeau.

Given his hefty $3.85M contract, it's almost impossible that Hughes would be able to trade him anytime soon, due to most NHL teams' lack of cap space.

Could we really see him land in Laval, in the American League?

Theoretically, it makes sense. But realistically, since Allen is a highly respected veteran in the locker room, I find it hard to believe that the Canadiens would dare to do it.

I doubt that this is an option being considered by the team's management right now, but I could certainly be wrong. The coming days and the last roster cuts will be interesting to watch within the organization.

Credit : Habs et LNH