Canadiens Could Bolster Goalie Pipeline With NCAA Free Agent

With the Montreal Canadiens looking to shore up their goaltending pipeline, an NCAA standout is emerging as a potential solid gamble to take.

Yaniv Perets, a 23-year-old goaltender currently playing for Quinnipiac University, has been putting up stellar numbers in the NCAA for the last couple of seasons.

Currently in his third season with the Bobcats, the 6-foot-1,189-pound goaltender has been impressing scouts across the board with his stellar compete level.

There was some concern that his breakout season, which saw the energetic goaltender register a sparkling 0.939 save percentage and 1.17 goals-against average was just an aberration or beginner’s luck.

However, Perets returned to the Bobcats this season and has put up near identical stats this season, posting a 0.929 save percentage and a 1.52 goals-against average.

His impeccable play has earned him the title of ECAC Goaltender of Year in 2022 and again in 2023; while also being one of the ten finalists for the 2023 Hobey Baker award.

Seen as a late-bloomer in the NCAA, the Dollard-des-Ormeaux native could realistically turn pro this spring, after two consecutive seasons with elite statistics with Quinnipiac, as he doesn’t have much left to prove at the collegiate level.

The 2nd ranked @QU_MIH team heads to Lake Placid to take on Colgate Friday in the @ecachockey tourney semi-finals! Record setting goalie Yaniv Perets & his Bobcat teammates have already turned out another 30 win season @WTNH @QUAthletics pic.twitter.com/MVwuZMbmeP

— John Pierson (@JPPierson) March 15, 2023

Organizational Depth

If the Montreal Canadiens want to offer prospect Jakub Dobes another year in the NCAA, they could turn to Perets as an interesting project for next season.

The Canadiens currently don’t have a backup pegged for Cayden Primeau in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, leaving the door wide open for a minor-league goalie signing.

Since Perets just turned 23, he would only be eligible for a two-year entry-level contract.

Being able to offer a two-year deal means that the Canadiens could allow the to spend the next two seasons to the hometown kid with their AHL affiliate, before making a decision on his future when he’s gotten a handle of the pro game.

It could be a very interesting project for the organization, as they look to settle the future of their goaltending pipeline in the coming years.