Canadiens shopping newly-acquired goalie, according to reports

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Mike Armenti
August 22, 2023 (9:44)

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As we all know, the Montreal Canadiens maneuvered their way into the Erik Karlsson deal between Pittsburgh and San Jose as a way of obtaining a number of assets, basically for free. They've already flipped defenseman Jeff Petry to the Detroit Red Wings and now it appears as though they may be preparing to flip another one of the assets they acquired in the high-profile 3-way deal.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes told former Pens goaltender Casey DeSmith that he doesn't plan to bury him in the American Hockey League and will look at potentially trading him, but it may take some time with how the goaltending market is looking at the moment.

"I spoke with Casey (and Jeff) when the trade went down," said Hughes. "Casey was in a situation in Pittsburgh that was too busy, with four goalies. He arrives to the Montreal Canadiens in a situation that also has four goalies. I told Casey to be patient, the goal is not to bury you in the American Hockey League. We will continue to look at possible trades or to make some changes. But it'll take patience with the goalie market, it's always slow."

Flipping DeSmith to another organization is definitely the right move for the Canadiens to do. They currently have a logjam in the crease with Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen more than likely being the tandem for the 2023-24 season, while Cayden Primeau now needs waivers to be assigned to the AHL, which makes things tricky.

If the Canadiens lose Cayden Primeau via waivers in the latter stages of training camp and DeSmith is still around, there's a possibility they could go with three goaltenders on their NHL roster, like the Calgary Flames are potentially going to do. But eventually, they'll need to stick with two of them and roll with it.

Samuel Montembeault isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but as the season drags on and teams are looking to add a backup goaltender with experience for a potential playoff run, Jake Allen and Casey DeSmith could become options. We know full well that injuries are unpredictable and can happen at any time, so if there's a team who is struggling in goal due to injuries, it could very well open the door for DeSmith, helping him to find a new home where he'll actually have the chance to play this season.

Source: Montreal Hockey Now

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POLL
AOUT 22 \| 144 ANSWERS Canadiens shopping newly-acquired goalie, according to reports Who will play the majority of Montreal's games next season?
Samuel Montembeault	41	28.5 %
Jake Allen	34	23.6 %
Cayden Primeau	13	9 %
Casey DeSmith (if he isn't traded)	56	38.9 %
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Canadiens shopping newly-acquired goalie, according to reports

Who will play the majority of Montreal's games next season?