(Laval) Four goalkeepers will fight for a position at the Canadiens’ next training camp, but in fact, there are two who are sitting on an ejection seat.
At least that’s the portrait that was presented by general manager Kent Hughes during the Canadian’s traditional golf tournament on Monday in Laval-sur-le-Lac.
“We have four goalkeepers with us, and we are going to let training camp come first,” replied the Montreal GM. It is certain that there are two goalkeepers who will have to go through waivers, so we will take it one decision at a time. »
Hughes didn’t name the two goalies in question, but you don’t need to pretend to be an Eliot Ness lookalike to determine that they are Casey DeSmith and Cayden Primeau.
The first was recently acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, while the second never managed to establish himself in 21 games with the Canadian. He spent last season mainly in the American League, with the Rocket in Laval, where he took part in 41 games.
Barring injuries, the first two positions already belong to Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen. The Quebec goalkeeper is also in his last year of contract.
Kent Hughes recently discussed the idea of trading Casey DeSmith to another club, and that scenario still holds.
“The plan hasn’t changed,” admitted Kent Hughes about the 32-year-old veteran goalie. We are open to making a transaction [dans son cas] by the start of the season. But we have to wait for the goalkeeper market to change a little too. »
None of the four goalkeepers were presented to the media during question period Monday morning in Laval-sur-le-Lac. The keenest observers, however, were able to see Allen in the company of another goalkeeper, Carey Price, whose career is however over.