Montreal Canadiens Rumors: Jake Allen Emerging as Trade Candidate

After acquiring Casey DeSmith in the Erik Karlsson three-team blockbuster trade, the Montreal Canadiens now have a surplus of goaltenders. Due to this, veteran netminder Jake Allen is emerging as a clear trade candidate heading into the 2023-24 season. 

At the time of this writing, the Canadiens have DeSmith, Allen, Samuel Montembeault, and Cayden 

Primeau all are eyeing NHL spots this upcoming season. Montembeault displayed that he is ready to be a long-term option for the Canadiens in the net, while Primeau is viewed as having the potential to become an NHL regular. Thus, it seems that Allen is the odd man out of this quartet. 

Allen carries a $3.85 million cap hit until the completion of the 2024-25 season and has a seven-team no-trade list. Therefore, there are some obstacles present in moving him, but there could be some teams willing to add him as a solid 1B/backup option. This is especially so if the Canadiens are willing to retain some of his salary.

Allen appeared in 42 games this past season for the Canadiens, where he posted a 15-24-3 record, 3.55 GAA, and an .891 save percentage.

We will need to wait and see if the Canadiens move Allen before the start of the season from here.

photo credit:  David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports