Canadiens: If Jake Allen Doesn’t Play 40 Games, What Happens in Montreal?

There is an interesting detail pertaining to former Canadiens netminder Jake Allen.

In a recent article published by RG.org, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald was asked about the acquisition of both Allen and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Specifically, two details included in the trade for Allen.

The deal states that the 2025 third-round draft pick would become a second-round pick should two conditions be met, first Allen play in 40 games this year and second, his team (Devils or another he joins) make the playoffs.

According to Fitzgerald and the Devils’ executives in the front office, it’s looking more and more like Allen won’t reach the 40-game mark. In the interview with RG.org, the GM was quoted as saying:

“They (Calgary) were still contending for a playoff spot and when they had a player who was, I don’t want to say putting the team on his back, but a guy that was helping them stay in the fight,” said Fitzgerald regarding why the Flames were so reluctant to trade Markstrom during the season. “It’s hard to trade for guys like that, and if they’re going to trade him at that point it’s likely for something they cannot turn down and that’s not something we were looking to do.”

With the Devils valuing Markstrom so highly, and with the 48 games he played last season, there’s a solid chance that if Allen dawns the backup role, he won’t play 40 games. But if there’s an injury that thrusts him into the crease frequently, and the Devils reach the postseason, Montreal’s return becomes more worthwhile.

For what it’s worth, New Jersey is probably reaching the Spring showdown, with even outlets like The Athletic stating that the team will make the Stanley Cup Final. While it’s unlikely that the Devils make it that far, they just need to qualify for the postseason to meet one of the two criteria affecting Allen’s trade. 

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