Jake Allen is no fool. He knows very well that the threesome situation among the Canadiens goalkeepers could be resolved through a transaction. Although there have been several trade rumors involving the 33-year-old goalkeeper for years, this time the situation seems more critical. Samuel Montembeault has stolen his number one position and we feel that Cayden Primeau is starting to establish himself more and more, he who has four victories in eight games, while Jake Allen also has four, but in fourteen starts. However, Allen cannot count on much offensive support when he is in front of the net. The proof is that his teammates have only scored 19 goals in his last ten starts.
NO CONTROL…OR ALMOST
“I’m here to work and we’ll see what happens.” These words were from Jake Allen when I approached him in the team locker room to tell him about the many rumors surrounding him. And working is what Jake Allen does all the time. He is an athlete who is in splendid shape and who spends a lot of time on the ice to find solutions. He is, in fact, an example for his teammates and is recognized as a very good leader.
Besides, there is one thing that is clear in his mind, despite all the rumors: it is in Montreal that he wants to play. “I don’t want to be traded,” says Jake Allen. I know I have no control over the situation, and I focus on doing my job when asked to play. I know the situation isn’t perfect for anyone, but what makes it easy is that Samuel and Cayden have great personalities and if that weren’t the case, it’s obvious our interactions would be difficult. .”
NO-TRADE LIST
In our conversation, Jake Allen often repeats that he understands the situation he is in, due to his age and his status on the team. “Kent Hughes [le directeur général du Canadien] met with me a few days before Christmas to talk to me about my situation. Actually, there are several rumors about me, but that was also the case last summer and two years ago. No one came to me to talk about the possibility of these rumors coming true. I signed a contract extension knowing full well that there were going to be ups and downs and this is where I want to play.
In his contract, Jake Allen has a list of seven teams where he does not want to be traded, a list that will increase to only three teams next season. He therefore has a certain control over his destiny, particularly this season.
LAVAL, THE SOLUTION?
There is another card that exists for the Canadian to resolve the menage a trois, and that is to place Jake Allen on waivers and send him to Laval if he is not claimed. But it is clear among the leaders of the Canadian that this option will never be considered for several reasons. Firstly because it would probably reduce the value of Jake Allen and secondly this decision could go down very badly in the team’s locker room.
So what are the options for a transaction? The Maple Leafs (currently) want a rental goalie, same thing for the Oilers. The Devils are looking for a young goalie who will stay in the organization for several seasons and the Hurricanes do not seem to have much interest in Jake Allen.
In short, just because Kent Hughes’ phone rings doesn’t mean there are offers being offered to him. Nothing says that the situation will not change, but one thing seems obvious; if Jake Allen is traded, it is clear that the Canadian will have to keep a certain percentage of the salary in order to obtain a better return in the transaction.