“I want to play in the NHL, I want to play against the best every night. I started the training camp in this state of mind. »
• Also read: Jake Allen ready to fight for Canadiens’ starting goalie spot: ‘I want to play more games than last year’
• Also read: Here are the 72 players invited to Canadiens camp
• Also read: 10 left-field predictions about the Canadian camp
At the end of the fourth day of Canadiens camp, his third on the ice, Cayden Primeau was clear about his intentions.
“I want to stay in the NHL,” he insisted. Everything I did in the summer was with the aim of proving that I could play here. »
However, with Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault well in the saddle, there doesn’t appear to be a short-term spot for him in Montreal.
“He would have to steal the chair,” said Martin St-Louis, with a now-accepted expression. His game would have to go up and the other two’s would go down. We will never stand before anyone. These are the performances that speak to us. »
That’s exactly Primeau’s main problem. Although he performed well in the American League last season, he has had some issues over the years every time the Canadiens called him. In the 17 games he started on the Bettman circuit, he only won three times.
Last winter, he posted an .852 efficiency percentage and a 3.46 goals-against average.
Photo Martin Chevalier
Uncertain future
Even the beginning of his camp is not famous. On Saturday morning, he allowed four goals in 20 minutes during the intrasquad game.
“It might not have been one of my best days,” he admitted.
It would therefore be surprising if he managed to oust Montembeault or Allen. In such a case and with the clear intentions he stated, will he demand a transaction?
“I don’t want to look too far ahead,” he replied. We haven’t even started the preparation plan yet. I will tackle each day one at a time. »
In fact, the change of scenery, even if surprising, could occur quite naturally. If the Canadian’s management decides to send him back to the American League, they will first have to make him available to the 31 other NHL teams.
Another scenario that the American does not want to think about at the moment.