Major Trade Completed Between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens: Goaltender Jake Allen Has Revealed His True Thoughts

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Dawson McKenzie
August 20, 2023 (11:43 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens were a sneaky third party in the Erik Karlsson blockbuster trade, getting goaltender Casey DeSmith among other assets. But what is the plan for DeSmith, when Montreal is already splitting time evenly between Jake Allen and Sam Montembeault.

Trade not Urgent

At his press conference, GM Kent Hughes stated that he was in no rush to trade DeSmith, as the goaltender market moves much slower. But he also said that he didn't plan on putting DeSmith in the minors.

This gameplan raises some eyebrows since there is no clear hierarchy between Allen and Montembeault.

Who will Play?

Jake Allen recently discussed the game plan in a radio Canada interview.

"There are only 23 players on a roster. It will be up to them to decide if they want to waste a spot on an extra goaltender or not. But I think in the future, there will be more and more goaltenders who play during the season, not just two. It's the very nature of the position."

"The game is so fast. Injuries are becoming more frequent because young players are playing hockey more and more often. The body accumulates mileage at a younger age. I think in the future, we will see three or four goalies being used very regularly throughout the year."

Allen could be on to something, as it makes sense to potentially have a third goalie on the roster. The season is long, and more often than not injuries to goaltenders can be the death of a successful season.

How to make the rotation work is tricky, but that's up to Hughes. He has enough time before the trade deadline to figure out a clear path forward, though.

As read on Marker Zone - "Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins Complete Major Trade: Goaltender Allen Speaks Up"