The Montreal Canadiens crease is Samuel Montembeault's to lose, and he has done his best to cement it as his own since his arrival in La Belle Province.
Last year there was the three-goalie carousel with Montembeault on top and Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau splitting starts. This was a bit of a detriment for Allen, who wasn't getting any younger. But most importantly Primeau, who was drafted in 2017 (Nick Suzuki's draft year) is now 25 years old and if the Habs want to see what they've got, he needs to get some starts.
The 2024-25 season will be one where the Habs' brass will see much more of Primeau. Perhaps the most exciting is that the Canadiens will have two goalies under 28 years old throughout the upcoming season. Both goalies are in their prime years and it's at the right time, considering that some great young players are inching closer to being ready to complement the young core.
Primeau ready for the role?
Over six seasons, Primeau has played a total of 44 games, which isn't very much considering that he is only 25 years old. But he has shown plenty during his time with the Laval Rocket and the Habs that he is ready to handle the increased role. The numbers haven't been very promising, or exciting, but he hasn't had enough time to find his footing in the league.
I think that with an improved offence and the blueline getting a little bit older, minus Lane Hutson of course, who will likely be the youngest player on the roster, Primeau should feel confident in the team in front of him. It has been rocky for Primeau, and often the team in front of him seems to play to not lose rather than win. Simply put, they seem very tight and rigid, rather than loose and fluid.
In all likelihood, the Canadiens have done plenty of work this offseason and training camp will feature even more of it. This is significant because the goal is for the team to be prepared regardless of which goaltender is in the net. With all that taken into consideration, I think there will be every opportunity for Primeau to succeed in his backup role and build confidence en route to a strong season as the clear-cut backup goalie.