Jake Allen is no fool. He knows very well that the three-man situation among the Canadiens' goaltenders could be solved through a transaction. Although there have been several trade rumors surrounding the 33-year-old goalkeeper for years, the situation seems to be more critical this time. Samuel Montembeault has stolen his No. 1 spot and we have a feeling Cayden Primeau, who has four wins in eight games, is starting to establish himself, while Jake Allen also has four but in fourteen starts. However, Allen can't count on much offensive support when he's in front of the net. The proof is that his teammates have only scored 19 goals in his last ten starts.
NO CONTROL…OR ALMOST
“I'm here to work and we'll see what happens.” These words came from Jake Allen when I approached him in the team locker room to tell him about the many rumors surrounding him. And working is what Jake Allen does all the time. He is an athlete who is in great shape and spends a lot of time on the ice finding solutions. In fact, he is a role model for his teammates and is considered a very good leader.
In addition, despite all the rumors, one thing is clear to him: he wants to play in Montreal. “I don’t want to be traded,” Jake Allen said. I know I have no control over the situation and I focus on doing my job when asked to play. I know the situation isn't perfect for anyone, but what makes it easier is that Samuel and Cayden have great personalities and if that weren't the case, it's obvious that our interactions with each other would be difficult.”
NO TRADE LIST
In our conversation, Jake Allen often repeats that he understands the situation he is in because of his age and status on the team. “Kent Hughes [le directeur général du Canadien] I met a few days before Christmas to discuss my situation. Actually there are several rumors about me, but that was also the case last summer and two years ago. No one came to me to discuss the possibility that these rumors could come true. I signed a contract extension knowing that there would be ups and downs and that I wanted to play here.
In his contract, Jake Allen has a list of seven teams he doesn't want to be traded to, a list that will expand to just three teams next season. He therefore has some control over his destiny, especially this season.
LAVAL, THE SOLUTION?
There is one more card for the Canadian to solve the menage a trois, which is to place Jake Allen on waivers and send him to Laval if he goes unclaimed. But it is clear among Canadian leaders that this option will never be considered for several reasons. First, because it would likely diminish Jake Allen's value, and second, because this decision could go down very badly in the team's locker room.
So what are the options for a transaction? The Maple Leafs (currently) want a rental goalie, and the same goes for the Oilers. The Devils are looking for a young goaltender who will stay in the organization for multiple seasons, and the Hurricanes don't appear to have much interest in Jake Allen.
In short, just because Kent Hughes' phone rings doesn't mean he's being offered offers. Nothing says the situation won't change, but one thing seems obvious; If Jake Allen is traded, it is clear that the Canadian will need to retain a certain percentage of salary to get a better return on the transaction.