Jacob and Patrick discuss the growing crop of prospects in Laval, like Joshua Roy, Sean Farrell, Emil Heineman and Riley Kidney. Cayden Primeau [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNzIxNzQ2MTcxMTExMDU1/usatsi_21530136_168400847_lowres.jpg] Cayden Primeau Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes isn't afraid to make bold and creative trades to acquire future assets for his rebuilding club. That has some observers wondering if he making plans for an early-season deal. Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy [https://bostonhockeynow.com/2023/10/18/nhl-trade-off-the-record-three-teams-to-eye-on-quiet-trade-market/] included the Canadiens with the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets as clubs that could make some notable moves leading up to the American Thanksgiving on Nov. 23. Murphy cited a source claiming there's a market for Cayden Primeau, and the Canadiens were listening to offers for the 24-year-old goaltender. The Habs are carrying three goalies to start the season as they don't want to risk losing Primeau to waivers if they attempt to send him to their AHL affiliate in Laval. According to Murphy's source, the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers could be interested in Primeau. The Sharks could need a replacement for Kaapo Kahkonen if he departs next summer as a free agent. Some observers are concerned about the Kings' tandem of Cam Talbot and Pheonix Copley. The Flyers, however, are also carrying three goalies, with Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandstrom backing up starter Carter Hart. Given the Canadiens' injury history over the past two seasons, Hughes could be reluctant to part with Primeau. He could be an insurance policy in case Jake Allen or Sam Montembeault becomes sidelined. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1715896037192196167?s=20] suggested Joel Armia could be worth watching in the trade market. The 30-year-old winger started the season in Laval, but the Canadiens recently recalled him. Armia lacks a no-trade clause but carries an average annual value of $3.4 million through 2024-25 [https://puckpedia.com/player/joel-armia]. With so many teams lacking cap space, Hughes might have to retain some salary to move him.
