The Montreal Canadiens and goaltender Samuel Montembeault have apparently begun negotiations over a contract extension.
This was put forward by The Athletic website journalist Arpon Basu, who discussed the situation of masked men in the organization.
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The 27-year-old Quebec native could become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He is playing the final year of a two-year contract that allows him to earn $1 million per season.
It would be out of an abundance of caution for the Habs to expect three goalies in their practice since hostilities began in 2023-2024. Jake Allen and Montembeault have played five games each, while Cayden Primeau has only made one start so far. Many are wondering why the organization is keeping the 24-year-old goaltender in the National League instead of allowing him more appearances in the American League.
Nevertheless, according to Basu, CH fears losing the services of Primeau, who will have to claim waivers if he is demoted to the Laval Rocket. The Canadian wants to take out insurance in the event of an injury to Allen or Montembeault. The Bleu-Blanc-Rouge are also considering a long-term future if the Bécancour native does not remain with the team at the end of this season.
In his only start, Primeau allowed four goals on 33 shots in a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on October 24. It was the 22nd game for the seventh-round pick (199th overall) in the 2017 draft on the Bettman circuit.