TRADE ALERT: Canadiens Make Minor Trade With Flames
The Montreal Canadiens made a trade! Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the impact fans would hope for.
There has been a logjam in front of the net in Laval with Kevin Poulin being dominant in February and of course the presence of Cayden Primeau. McNiven has been the odd man out and there were rumors that he could be sent down to the ECHL. Instead, it has been decided to trade him and not only free up a roster spot, but free up an extra contract as well. McNiven does have a clause in his contract which would have allowed him to block such a move.
The McNiven trade opens up a contract spot ahead of the deadline. Gives the team additional flexibility.
— HabsLinks (@HabsLinks) March 2, 2022
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McNiven, 24, has one lone NHL appearance, coming in relief to Cayden Primeau this past January when the Canadiens got destroyed 8-2 by the Minnesota Wild. In 11 games this season with the Laval Rocket, McNiven has a 4-4-1 record with a 4.04 goals against average accompanied by a .869 save percentage along with one shutout.
In 82 career games, all with the Laval Rocket has a career record of 31-35-8 in the AHL with a 3.00 goals against average and a .891 save percentage along with 4 shutouts.
Michael McNiven has never been drafted. He was a inviting to development camp prior to the 2015 season and signed a two-way contract for his efforts and performance.
The Canadiens have traded goaltender Michael McNiven to the Calgary Flames in return for future considerations.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/s0ulRR9Xq5
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 2, 2022
No news as to what the future consideration might be. Oftentimes, a late draft pick is given and in some cases, nothing is sent in return. McNiven is expected to remain in the AHL and directly join the Stockton Flames.
The Canadiens will have further decisions to make in front of the net. Samuel Montembeault and Andrew Hammond are doing a good job, however Jake Allen has started skating again and is expected to make his return shortly. Furthermore, we still don’t know what is happening with Carey Price. One of Hammond or Montembeault would have to clear waivers in order to be sent to Laval, which would ultimately bump one of Primeau or Poulin to Trois-Rivières, or the Canadiens can also make another trade involving one or several of their goaltenders.
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