Eastern Conference team reportedly preparing to move a goaltender
The Montreal Canadiens currently have a trio of NHL goaltenders on the roster, which will be fine for training camp, but teams will need to finalize their rosters before the beginning of the 2023-24 seasons, which means that the Canadiens have a big decision to male regarding which two netminders they plan to hang onto.
The Canadiens have Jake Allen, Casey DeSmith and Sam Montembeault signed through next season, but according to a new report, the Habs may have made a decision on which two will remain and while one will likely find himself in a new home this season. Per La Poche Bleue, a source has revealed that Habs GM Kent Hughes has informed Jake Allen that he'll be the one sticking around to resume his role as Sam Montembeault's mentor in Montreal, meaning that DeSmith will be on the move sooner than later.
"'They've told him they'll keep him,'a well-informed source tells us of Allen. He's so valuable in the room and is [Sam] Montembeault's mentor." - La Poche Bleue
Hughes had already told reporters that he sees Montembeault, 26, as a potential long-term starter with the team. Keeping Allen as his mentor means that there will be no room for DeSmith, who came over to Montreal as a part of the 3-way trade between Montreal, Pittsburgh and San Jose, which saw Erik Karlsson dealt to the Pens. DeSmith, 32, has one season left on his current deal with a cap hit of $1.8 million.
| POLL | ||
Are the Canadiens making the right decision, or should they move a different goalie? | ||
| Yes, DeSmith is the right goalie to move | 29 | 29.3 % |
| No, they should keep DeSmith | 31 | 31.3 % |
| Not sure | 18 | 18.2 % |
| Don't care | 21 | 21.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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