The Montreal Canadiens goaltending prospect's NHL development has seemingly stalled, but his AHL numbers tell a different story. What's next for Cayden Primeau?
A recurring conversation surrounding the Montreal Canadiens in recent years has been the next generation of goaltending for the Habs. With Carey Price likely not returning to the game due to injury, many had high hopes that Cayden Primeau would take over as the next goaltender to guard the Habs' crease.
But despite some consistent and solid performances in the American Hockey League (AHL), Primeau's transition to the NHL game could be called disappointing, at best.
With each passing season, concern grows bigger and bigger that Primeau's ability to make a permanent jump to the NHL might not be realized. Why is that? Is it a development issue? Did the COVID-19 season have a negative impact? Has he reached the ceiling in regards to his skill or ability?
These technical points were the topic of conversation on a summertime episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast where Rick Stephens and I sat down with former NHL goaltender Martin Biron to analyze Primeau's technique, as well as the progression of his development. Click the following link to listen to that exclusive interview: EXCLUSIVE: Marty Biron Breaks Down Habs Goaltending | Canadiens Connection podcast ep 253
All that aside, this year presents a whole new layer of intrigue, with the Canadiens choosing to keep three goaltenders on the NHL roster. Primeau is waiver eligible this year, and the consensus is that there would be a decent chance of him being claimed by another team should he be put on waivers with the intention to send him back to the Laval Rocket.
The 24-year-old got his first start of the season on Tuesday night when Montreal hosted the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre. Many asked themselves the question: why that game, and why that opponent? With occasional rumors swirling that teams have called to inquire about the young netminder, perhaps that was the reason? Or maybe the organization simply wanted to get him into a game?
Beyond that debate, lies another one: the conversation swirling around whether Jake Allen or Sam Montembeault should be designated the Habs' starter for this season.
So let's look at the numbers, shall we? While stats never really tell a full story, in this instance they might help to paint a clearer picture about the most logical or probably path(s) forward.
You heard some of my thoughts on this topic if you watched the video excerpt at the top of this article, and if you want to hear the REST of my analysis, including a comparison of Primeau's NHL vs AHL stats side-by-side and season-by-season, plus a closer look at Allen and Montembeault, then I invite you to click the following link to watch this week's episode of Habs Hockey Report on YouTube: It's Time to Make a Decision on Cayden Primeau
Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.
