Canadiens GM priced in potential goalie trade: report

As the trade deadline approaches, can the Canadiens escape their overcrowded roster?

Yes, but only if the price is right.

The Canadiens have long been rumored to be shopping for one of their top three netminders, rotating the trio of Samuel Montembo, Jake Allen and Kaiden Prayo throughout the offseason.

In January, Montreal GM Kent Hughes said the goal was to “make a trade,” but he could keep all three goaltenders until the end of the year.

Insider Elliott Friedman shed some light in Tuesday's issue, comparing the situation to that of Anaheim Ducks shortstop John Gibson, who wants to play “meaningful games.” 32 Oh. Friedman, who mentioned Allen's name several times, said Hughes is targeting a high draft pick.

“Hughes has set a price (considered a top draft pick), but like Gibson, that will vary depending on the catch ($3.85 million Jake Allen has one more year),” wrote a Sportsnet insider. “There's a book now on Hughes: While the Canadians are rebuilding, he's content with pricing and waiting until he gets what he wants. Remember: Allen doesn't make partial trades.”

It's not far-fetched to think Allen, 33, is going to be weird. As Montreal's oldest and most expensive goaltender, he is the most inexpensive goaltender. Unfortunately, his 3.43 GAA and .901 SV% may not make him an easy sell.

But as Friedman pointed out, the New Brunswick native, who was the subject of several reports earlier in the season, has a salary cap with two years remaining on a deal that will pay him nearly $4 million a year.

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