Canadiens Set Stage for Rebuild with Reported Allen Extension

Arguably weakest in net on their depth chart, the Montreal Canadiens are taking steps to at least stabilize the position. It doesn’t necessarily mean an improvement though, unless you’re looking a few years down the road, past the point at which goalie Jake Allen’s reported future extension ends.

** Garder un oeil 👁 sur**
On me dit, @CanadiensMTL sont en les discussions avec G Jake Allen sur une prolognation de Contrat pluriannuelle.
I’m told @CanadiensMTL are in discussions w G Jake Allen on multi yr Contract extension. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter

Obviously, nothing’s set in stone (or ink) yet, but even mere reports Allen could be signing an extension are more than a glimpse into general manager Kent Hughes’ head. With actual news that Carey Price was put on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and suggestions his career can be over altogether, the Habs need to be thinking about the future in net. At 32 years old, Allen isn’t it.

Allen a 1B Goalie Not 1A

All due respect to the 2021 Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy winner, Allen wouldn’t necessarily qualify as a welcome starter in the present for most NHL teams. What Allen is, is a reliable backup, who was effectively brought on board to keep Price rested. If Price is out of the picture, all due respect to the face of the franchise’s legacy as the Habs goalie with the most career wins, Allen no longer fills that void.

However, there is obviously still a huge hole in that the Canadiens need a No. 1 goalie. Based on his history in the role with the St. Louis Blues, Allen won’t make an effective starter, as he historically struggled the more games he played… in his purported prime no less. There is a big “but,” though.

Because the Canadiens are rebuilding, the Habs just need a starter, not necessarily an effective one. Put simply, a playoff spot shouldn’t even rank on a list of the top keys to a successful 2022-23 Canadiens season. Even though the Canadiens are poised to roll four lines on offense, the defense is patchwork at best, largely made up of journeyman veterans and inexperienced rookies. So, whichever goalie is in net won’t get much help. That’s why extending Allen makes sense.

Related: Top Canadiens Keys to a Successful 2022-23 Season

Allen insulates the likes of, for example, prospect Cayden Primeau, who just signed an extension himself. It’s not exactly a stretch…