Montreal Canadiens Holding Out For Bigger Return In Goalie Trade

The Montreal Canadiens have carried three goaltenders on their roster since the start of the season, and while several teams continue to look for reinforcements, they’ll have to improve their offers if they’re to acquire a player like Jake Allen.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman joined the NHL Network on Thursday to discuss the current goaltending market in the NHL.

“One of the real challenges right now, I kind of saw this, the most recent team to comb through the league was Toronto,” said Friedman.  “And one of the things I’ve heard from them, and they’re trying to be careful about it, is just say ‘Look, if you want to get somebody right now it’s going to cost you.’ These teams with extra goaltenders to trade know they are in a position of leverage.

In otherwords, Kent Hughes has set a price and he’s sticking to his guns, a recurring theme for the Montreal Canadiens general manager.

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Usually, goaltenders are available for very little on the NHL’s trade market, but as the Toronto Maple Leafs found out recently, the going rate has gone up.

“I think one of the things Toronto tried to do was they tried to offer a late-round pick for a goalie, and they didn’t get much out there,” said Friedman.

Allen, 33, has a contract that runs until 2024-25 and carries an annual average value of $3.85M. He currently ranks 14th in the NHL in terms of goals saved above expected at 5v5, and would surely improve a team like the New Jersey Devils, who have a very competitive roster but are continuously let down by their goaltending.

But it won’t be cheap. At least not as cheap as in past years.

“Montreal has asked for a bigger price,” said Friedman. “They’re one of the teams that knows they’re in a position of strength. Right now no one is willing to pay what Montreal is willing to do.”