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Insider Contends Canadiens Can Avoid Backup Goalie Trade

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Biringer | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 9:03 PM ET

The Montreal Canadiens’ biggest question mark this offseason might be the status of their backup goalie. Cayden Primeau, once viewed as the team’s future number-one netminder, has been surpassed by Sam Montembeault. With Primeau struggling this season, the Canadiens placed him on waivers and called up Jakub Dobes ahead of Saturday’s game against the Florida Panthers.

Dobes responded, recording a 34-save shutout in his NHL debut. The rookie goaltender played a crucial role in the Canadiens sweep of the Florida double against the defending champs, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. However, there are still questions surrounding the goalie position.

However, Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period suggested on TSN Radio in Montreal that right now might not be the time for the Montreal Canadiens to chase a veteran backup goalie. Instead, he suggests rolling with what the team has in Dobes and Montembeault.

Pagnotta said:

“No, I think they certainly want to see how this is going to work out and play out. With Primeau having cleared waivers, and now gets the opportunity to play a little bit more consistently. I would imagine, in Laval, you roll with kind of with what you’ve got there. I don’t think the Canadiens need to be in a position where they go out and get a veteran backup.”

Pagnotta added that as part of the rebuilding process, the Canadiens want to see what some of the younger guys can do with more minutes. “You certainly want to see Montembeault playing more consistently. But at the same time, because of the position you’re in, you can kind of afford to let the younger kid kind of come in and gain more experience.”

How Much Should the Canadiens Push Their Playoff Chips In?

The Canadiens are supposed to be building toward playing meaningful hockey later on in the season. It helps with a 5-1 record in their last six games. Montreal is three points out of a wild card spot, but that does not mean they need to break the bank on a veteran goalie that could get in the offseason.

Besides, the Canadiens need to see what they have in their farm system first before engaging in a trade for a backup goalie.

“Game 1 was great, but let’s see how he responds afterward and afterward. Let’s see if he is acclimated at a younger age,” Pagnotta continued. He added:

“I don’t think you need to kind of go out there, and you’re not contending, right? I mean, you want to see improvement. You want to see consistent improvement, and that continued throughout the season, but at the same time, you don’t need to go after and give up assets in order to bring in a veteran presence as a backup, not at this stage anyway.”

The Canadiens were linked to Yaroslav Askarov back in the summer, but it is the next season Montreal really wants to add that veteran because that is when they should be competing for a playoff spot with the core’s new contracts kicking in.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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