Canadiens: When Will the Habs Solve the Goalie Dilemma
By Ryan Praught
Jake Allen has gotten off to a hot start this season, posting a 4.73 GSAx so far through five contests. He’s a veteran goalie who’s in his fourth season with the Canadiens. He’s got experience in the post-season and, at 33 years old, is most likely not considered a big part of the Canadiens future plans.
Allen also has another year on his contract at a pretty reasonable cap hit of $3.85 Million. If a team wanted to trade for a goaltender, I can’t think of a better name than Jake Allen. He won’t cost much in the salary sense, but also in the trade compensation sense. And although it’s early, I can already think of a few teams that need a goalie, looking at you, Edmonton.
There is also word that 17-year veteran Jaroslav Halak will practising with Carolina today. He’s not signed — appears to be a PTO — but the Hurricanes are bringing him in to take a look.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 6, 2023
Not only is Jake Allen a healthy body to put in net, but he’s a pretty good goalie to boot. I can’t help but wonder if teams have already inquired about Allen, and if they haven’t yet, I bet they will soon. The question is, would the Canadiens part with him?
The Habs clearly value Allen and all he provides, and we know they won’t just give Allen away for very little. But if the compensation is fair, would they pull the trigger? It would certainly solve the goaltending issue, at least from a numbers perspective.