Habs Finally Shore Up Backup Goalie Position

[RGM81]

Solid trade this morning, acquiring Jake Allen from the Blues for a 3rd (Washington's pick from the Kovalchuk trade) and a 7th (previously Chicago's pick) in this year's draft.

They've been so overly reliant on Price for a long time now, and successive guys have not stood up to seize the backup position. Primeau is still a year or so away, so this is a really nice move for 2021. Allen can easily handle 25-30 games.

[odjickfan]

That's a good deal I think! Blues are clearing a lot of salary cap space and Habs are getting a decent goalie for one year. My guess is that Allen won't be protected and will be going to Seattle at the end of the season.

[subban7677]

That's a good deal I think! Blues are clearing a lot of salary cap space and Habs are getting a decent goalie for one year. My guess is that Allen won't be protected and will be going to Seattle at the end of the season.

Allen will be a free agent at the end of the year, so he can't be taken in the expansion draft. But yes, great move. That's a lot to spend on two goalies, but they have the cap space to handle it for a year. Gives Primeau a year to ripen, as well.

[odjickfan]

Allen will be a free agent at the end of the year, so he can't be taken in the expansion draft. But yes, great move. That's a lot to spend on two goalies, but they have the cap space to handle it for a year. Gives Primeau a year to ripen, as well.

There will be a lot of guys to sign for the 21-22 season. Gallagher won't be cheap, Petry, Tatar and Danault might be expensive too. But for 20-21, that's good :) Habs proved they can compete at a good level during these playoffs. Now might be the time to win.

[Leafsman]

Great trade for Montreal. Jake Allen will give Carey Price a well-deserved break next season.

[30ranfordfan]

I have no idea what Montreal cap situation is like.... and it sounds like Allen is on a one year deal before hitting UFA status.... but it seems crazy that they're spending 15+ million on goalies.

[subban7677]

I have no idea what Montreal cap situation is like.... and it sounds like Allen is on a one year deal before hitting UFA status.... but it seems crazy that they're spending 15+ million on goalies.

If I'm not mistaken they now have $14 million in cap space with Domi as the only notable FA.

[RGM81]

I have no idea what Montreal cap situation is like.... and it sounds like Allen is on a one year deal before hitting UFA status.... but it seems crazy that they're spending 15+ million on goalies.

It's favourable - after this move the team has a projected cap space of just over $14M. Lindgren hasn't proven he's capable of handling a 25-30 games workload, so they don't have much for options within the organization unless they want to rush Primeau.

I suspect that their pending UFA may be allowed to walk - Weise, Folin - while the RFA's aren't big name players other than Domi, whose future is murky at the moment. Guys like Mete, Ouellet, and Hudon won't command a large premium. Hopefully a good opportunity for a guy like Josh Brook to step up and take 6th D-man role, while Jake Evans can slot in a bottom-six forward role.

[10-4 collector]

I have no idea what Montreal cap situation is like.... and it sounds like Allen is on a one year deal before hitting UFA status.... but it seems crazy that they're spending 15+ million on goalies.

Totally agree! The goalies don’t put the puck in the net. 20% of the salary cap in the net is way too much.Add Weber and Petry and you’re almost at 30 millions. They might be able to deal him later in the season though.

[piper1]

That's a good deal I think! Blues are clearing a lot of salary cap space and Habs are getting a decent goalie for one year. My guess is that Allen won't be protected and will be going to Seattle at the end of the season.

Seattle will likely go after one of Montreal's D-men, perhaps Mete. Which is why Montreal needs to pull the trigger on a trade with Winnipeg for Laine.