Jake Allen to Be Placed on Waivers? Major Tension Emerging in the Canadiens Organization
Following Jake Allen's recent collapse against the St. Louis Blues, it seems that the game is up regarding a possible trade involving the veteran goaltender.
Although it already seemed very difficult to manage to get rid of his services without having to pay to liquidate his contract, following this game, it is becoming increasingly evident that Kent Hughes is now stuck with him until the end of the season.
This defeat has also been the straw that broke the camel's back in the eyes of many experts who believe that the three-goalie situation has definitely lasted long enough.
Allen will no longer be able to increase his value on the trade market, and Cayden Primeau hasn't played for nearly a month, which is a dramatic realization for his development.
Heading to waivers for Jake Allen?
A radical, but interesting solution has just been officially proposed to the Canadiens to solve this major problem.
"I understand he's a veteran and everything, but we should consider the waiver option for Jake Allen. He has no market value, and the three-goalie situation has lasted long enough. Cayden Primeau needs to get some net time occasionally to hope to develop."
- Marc-Olivier Beaudoin
Young Primeau doesn't play enough, due to the desire to improve Allen's value. However, the Canadiens are hindering the progression of a future player for the benefit of a veteran who no longer has a place in Montreal.
Even if the CH would agree to pick up 50% of Allen's salary, I doubt a team aiming for the top honors would want to take a chance with the 33-year-old goaltender.
Unless there's a significant surprise, the only viable option would be to submit him to waivers to free up his spot in the lineup.
As my colleague William Nadeau from Habs et LNH mentions, there would be three advantages to such a decision.
1- Give Cayden Primeau a real opportunity for the rest of the season.
2- If Allen is claimed, it still frees up a big $4 million (or almost) in salary cap space, allowing Kent Hughes to shop this summer. That has value.
3- It finally puts an end to the three-goalie situation.
Although it would be extremely surprising if Allen was claimed, simply looking towards the future by giving more room to Primeau as the true backup to Samuel Montembeault would be a huge gain for the Canadiens.
It's high time to take action, and Kent Hughes must finally act for the long-term good of his organization in this matter.
| POLL |
13 FEVRIER | 708 ANSWERS Jake Allen to Be Placed on Waivers? Major Tension Emerging in the Canadiens Organization Should the Canadiens waive Jake Allen? |
| Yes | 493 | 69.6 % |
| No | 215 | 30.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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