BREAKING: Canadiens Announced The Departure Of Another Top Star
The Canadiens have put an end to their three-goalie rotation by trading Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick that could potentially become a second-round pick. This move comes ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Montreal’s General Manager, Kent Hughes, made the trade, also agreeing to retain 50% of Allen’s salary for this season and the next. Allen, with one season left on his contract, had a full salary-cap hit of US$3.85 million.
Merci à Jake Allen pour son professionnalisme et son leadership. On lui souhaite bonne chance au New Jersey!@34jallen, thank you for your professionalism and leadership. Wishing you all the best in New Jersey! pic.twitter.com/y7l17Ye69F
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 8, 2024
Throughout the season, Montreal carried three goalies, including Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau, leading to limited playing time for Allen. Hughes believed this arrangement was necessary to prevent losing Primeau to another NHL team on waivers. Despite the challenges, Allen remained professional and contributed both on and off the ice.
The @NJDevils were on Jake Allen no trade list. He waived it to make the trade happen.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 8, 2024
Allen expressed relief that the trade deadline had passed, indicating the difficulties of the three-goalie system. He praised Montembeault and Primeau for their performances and sees a promising future for both.
Merci Montreal 💙🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/9liR35SU4d
— Shannon Allen (@ShannonallyceA) March 9, 2024
Montreal, with a 24-29-10 record, will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season, while New Jersey, at 31-28-4, remains in contention for a wild-card playoff spot. The Devils’ goaltending has been problematic, leading to the trade of Vitek Vanecek and the acquisition of Kaapo Kahkonen.
Allen acknowledged the challenges posed by the three-goalie system but looks forward to returning to a more conventional goalie setup. Both teams have upcoming games, with Montreal facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Devils hosting the Carolina Hurricanes.