Could the Montreal Canadiens be showcasing Cayden Primeau for a trade
By Omar L
Price is the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL, making $10.5 million for this year and the next six until 2026. Who knows what will happen down the line, but for right now, it’s Carey Price and all Carey Price.
Perhaps Marc Bergevin chose to recall Primeau to push Price a bit with some internal competition. That’s been something the Habs are familiar with over the years, getting Charles Hudon and Matthew Peca to compete with each other or even back when there was the blueline carousel of Jordie Benn, Victor Mete and David Schlemko.
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What happens if Primeau gets results and Price doesn’t? Say the Montreal Canadiens enter this weekend back-to-back, and only the rookie gets the win? On the negative end of things, what if Primeau starts and the team doesn’t improve their defensive play, and he gets completely shelled.
The Michael Dipietro story in Vancouver comes to mind. The Canucks recalled Dipietro, a third-round draft pick from 2017, to play a game last season. It was an embarrassing night for the entire organization as their lack of focus, and defensive coverage saw Dipietro lit up for seven goals against. He was sent back down afterwards with a heavy head as his NHL debut went as poor as anyone could’ve predicted.
On the surface, the Montreal Canadiens must believe Primeau is the best option to get them wins moving forward. Lindgren is the safer option as he has NHL experience with the club, and Primeau not being there gives Kinkaid that window to play those games and regain his confidence.