Canadiens: When Will the Habs Solve the Goalie Dilemma

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 06: Cayden Primeau #30 and Sam Montembeault #35 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrate a victory against the Washington Capitals at Centre Bell on April 6, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Washington Capitals 6-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

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The Montreal Canadiens started the season carrying three goalies, an unusual setup to a roster, and it’s remained that way through the first 11 games. Like any team, the Canadiens do not necessarily want to keep three goalies on the NHL roster but have yet to solve the problem.

It started with not wanting to let Cayden Primeau go on waivers, as the Canadiens were certain he would not make it through. So they left him in the NHL, but he’s played just one game this year, which isn’t ideal for a younger goalie. He needs reps.

Cayden Primeau be like https://t.co/sy83liDNwa pic.twitter.com/9arZymaYcm
— Mike (@HabsLaughs) November 3, 2023

And if the Habs intend to give Primeau those reps in the NHL to avoid losing him, then it begs the question. What do you do with Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault? Because I don’t consider it a realistic scenario to keep three goalies on the NHL roster all season long, and I’m sure the Canadiens feel the same way.

So let’s look at each goalie, break down their future with the team, and discussing some scenarios in which they become the odd man out.

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