Cayden Primeau had a terrible season with the Montreal Canadiens before they sent him to the Laval Rocket. Primeau appeared in 11 games for the Canadiens, owning a 2-3-1 record with a 4.70 goals-against average and a .836 save percentage. Sam Montembeault was shouldering too much of the load and needed extra games on the bench, so the Canadiens trusted Jakub Dobes as the new backup. Dobes has been lights out with a 5-0-1 record, which puts the Canadiens in an interesting position with Primeau.
Primeau has rediscovered his game in Laval, recording a perfect 7-0-0 record. He has some stellar numbers, with a 1.83 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. Primeau did precisely what the Canadiens wanted him to do when they sent him to Laval, but the issue is there is no way they can send Dobes down and bring Primeau up. Primeau is in the last year of his contract, meaning he will likely find a new home next season. So, what will the Canadiens do with him in the interim?
The Canadiens can keep him in Laval and have an NHLish-caliber goaltender leading the minor league team to a Calder Cup. However, at the trade deadline, they may acquire some assets from a team looking for more goaltending insurance. Primeau was a great backup goaltender for the Canadiens last season, owning an 8-9-4 record with a 2.99 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage behind an abysmal team. He could be a valuable backup on a playoff squad.
An intriguing part of Primeau's season is that the Canadiens weren't playing at the same level as they are now. Primeau probably wouldn't have the same success level as Dobes, but his numbers could be a little better than when he left for Laval. It's something that teams looking to acquire Primeau may look at as a reason for making the deal. In a season where the Canadiens could be going from deadline sellers to staying put or being retoolers, Primeau is one player who may still be on the block.