It’s not just Jeff Petry who could quickly leave the Montreal Canadiens after being acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins for Erik Karlsson. Goalie Casey DeSmith may never wear the Habs uniform.
General manager Kent Hughes must surely have an idea in mind, since neither Petry nor DeSmith have been introduced to the media in a press conference yet. Samuel Montembeault also gave a good indication of the situation of the masked men outside the Montreal goal.
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With the Quebecers, Jake Allen and DeSmith, head coach Martin St-Louis has three good options, but one of them seems to be going. However, Hughes assured Montembeault’s agents that he need not worry.
Cayden Primeau also has a one-sided contract, let’s remember. Should the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge attempt to demote him to the American League (AHL), he must first subject him to waivers.
A few options?
For DeSmith, an assistant job may be available elsewhere in the National Hockey League. It would be almost unthinkable to see him travel to the AHL for the first time since 2019-20. The 31-year-old has a career efficiency rating of .912 and makes the perfect assistant.
At the Chicago Blackhawks, we could start the season with Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom, but adding the former Penguins could give the Swede more time to develop in the AHL.
A few weaker or less-proven second goalies like Jonas Johansson (Tampa Bay Lightning), Daniil Tarasov (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Charlie Lindgren (Washington Capitals) could also step up.
DeSmith could also help a team changing a key goaltender before the start of the season. Connor Hellebuyck apparently wants nothing more to do with the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers may be tempted to get rid of Jack Campbell.