Turnaround and Jake Allen with the Laval Rocket?

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David St-Jean
March 12, 2024 (2:40 PM)

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Kent Hughes said it loudly a few weeks ago; the situation with the goalies wouldn't last until next year. Sooner or later, there would have been actions taken.

Obviously, Jake Allen was traded, we're all aware of that, but if that hadn't been the case, the situation could have turned sour.

Indeed, there will be plenty of goalies available on the trade and free agent market this summer. With a $3.85 million contract in hand for next season, Allen would have been one of the last considered.

So, the Canadiens could have been stuck with three goalies, just like this year, but according to Renaud Lavoie, the veteran would have been in Laval. Friday's transaction really avoided that scenario.

"Let's also mention, while we're talking about Allen, that Renaud Lavoie says the Habs might have considered sending the goalie to the AHL next year if they hadn't managed to move him in the last few days.

That's something Kent Hughes refused to do this season. Why would it have been different next year? Because time can change things, I suppose. A year of a three-way setup is intense."

- Renaud Lavoie, via an excerpt from DLC's text on the subject

It turned out to be a good trade by Kent Hughes. For Jake Allen, it's more complicated, as he still has to deal with a three-way situation in New Jersey, but I imagine it's better than being in the AHL.