The Montreal Canadiens’ 2022-23 goaltending picture continues to crystallize. On Thursday morning, they announced they would signed restricted free agent Cayden Primeau to a three-year, one-way contract. The deal will pay him an $890,000 AAV regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL.
Primeau, 23, is the son of former NHL center Keith Primeau. The Habs chose Primeau in the seventh round of the 2017 Draft, 199th overall, but it wasn’t long before he began ascending the organizational prospect rankings and earned ‘Goalie of the Future’ status. He excelled at Northeastern University, earning the Mike Richter Award as NCAA goaltender of the year for 2018-19, and represented Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship.
Primeau turned pro starting in 2019-20 and has split time between the Habs and their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. Primeau holds a .908 save percentage across 82 career AHL appearances but has mostly struggled in his brief NHL duty, compiling an .874 SV% in 18 NHL appearances. Still, the potential in Primeau, who brings great length at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, is undeniable. He made the AHL all-star team in 2021-22 and excelled in the playoffs, compiling a .936 SV% in 14 appearances.
Primeau’s role as the Habs’ No. 3 netminder is particularly important going into this season. With Carey Price heading to LTIR due to chronic knee complications and a long shot to ever play again in the league, Montreal will rely on Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault as their NHL tandem for now, allowing Primeau to compile reps as an AHL starter. In the event of a trade or injury for Allen or Montembeault, Primeau could get an extended look in the NHL. His deal is one-way, but he will remain waiver exempt for the earlier of 56 games or one more season, according to CapFriendly.
More must-reads: