With a real need for a netminder thanks to the uncertainty surrounding Carey Price, Jake Allen, and a less-than 100% healthy Sam Montembeault, the Montreal Canadiens needed to add a goaltender and quickly. They made a move on Saturday to acquire one, landing Andrew Hammond from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Brandon Baddock.
The Canadiens announced the acquisition of Hammond on their social media pages. Baddock has been mostly an AHL enforcer and will likely stay in the AHL. Hammond is expected to join the NHL roster in Montreal immediately.
As Sportsnet’s Eric Engels notes:
Habs are in a jam they’re trying to solve. Sam Montembeault isn’t at 100 percent and he might even still require wrist surgery. He’s grinding right now. Jake Allen and Michael McNiven are hurt, and no other goalie in the org has an NHL contract.” He adds that the Canadiens don’t want to expose Cayden Primeau much longer and would rather he find his footing in Laval.
Because of the uncertainly surrounding a Carey Price return, Montreal can’t afford to add a bigger name or more salary without the risk of putting themselves in a bad salary cap position. Engels also noted that they could sign Kevin Poulin out of Laval, but they’re at 48 contracts and would like the option to absorb more contracts and reach the maximum of 50 as they approach the trade deadline. Being sellers, they need to be willing to take contracts back in deals.
One other option the Canadiens might have soon is Michael McNiven, a goalie who is reportedly much closer to making a return than either Price or Allen.
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