Canadiens: Ranking the Three Biggest Surprises at the Season's Halfway Point
By Ryan Praught
Cayden Primeau
When the season began, the idea of carrying three goaltenders was not something that many were overly keen on, including the Canadiens goalies themselves. 41 games later, we are starting to see why the Canadiens were hesitant to put Cayden Primeau on waivers. He’s been a welcomed surprise for the Canadiens so far this season.
Of course, I still believe a resolution to the three-goalie system is needed, but perhaps it’s Jake Allen who will be the odd man out instead of Primeau. In nine games this season, Primeau has a 4-4-1 record with a .905 SV% and a 3.13 GAA. Those numbers are not incredible by any stretch, but that, mixed with a 0.4 GSAx, suggests he can hang in the NHL.
That wasn’t always the case with Primeau, who has struggled in the NHL. In limited action this year, he’s shown why the Canadiens were correct in their decision to not risk losing him. And at just 24 years old, he still has room for further development. Just look at former Canadiens goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who is having a breakout season at the age of 30 with the Washington Capitals. Goalies take time to develop.
More starts from Primeau, like the one we saw in Philadelphia, where he stopped 37 of 39 shots in a shootout loss, will surely earn him more opportunities. And that could lead to better development for Primeau. He’s been solid this season, something that was far from a guarantee when the season began.