Canadiens Rumors: Veteran Goaltender Not Being Traded...Yet

It seems as though the Montreal Canadiens might have their tandem for the season already set. While the team still works on finding a trade partner for Casey DeSmith, who they acquired this offseason from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the starting duo might just be Sam Montembeault and Jake Allen again.

According to Raphael Doucet of TVA Sports, "A well-informed source just texted me that Allen has been told he was staying in Montreal." This makes sense because his contract is not exactly easy to move. This probably also applies to this season. Next offseason could be a different story if this year goes awry for Allen, and Cayden Primeau steps up and pushes for a spot (if he doesn't make the team and isn't claimed on waivers).

While it will still be difficult to trade Allen next offseason because of the cap hit, age, and factors like what kind of season he puts together in 2023-24, the goalie market could be much better than it is this season. Most teams not only have their two goalies set already, they have a third string goalie with NHL experience signed and available to use if anything goes wrong. Montreal is really the only team with four options in net. We will have to wait and see if anything happens with DeSmith in the short term.