NHL: it’s raining goalies on the trade markethttps://t.co/C3MflgbRnJ
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 16, 2024
It’s no longer a secret.
The Habs are trying to fix their problem in front of the net… And we could expect to see Jake Allen leave for another team between now and the NHL trade deadline (March 8).
I mention Jake Allen because Kent Hughes won’t be trading Samuel Montembeault (barring a big surprise) and because Cayden Primeau has proven he deserves a spot with the big club thanks to his strong performances.
But it’s not just Jake Allen who’s available around the league. Elvis Merzlikins has requested a trade to the Blue Jackets…
In the TVA Sports article above, we also read that the Bruins might be tempted to trade Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman… But I don’t believe that for a second.
The Bruins are in the thick of the playoff race and both goalies are performing well this season. Why change a formula that’s working?
Marc-André Fleury’s name is also starting to come up. On this subject, Pierre LeBrun confirmed duringan Insider Trading segment (TSN ) that there is real interest in the Quebecer, but that teams are still waiting before calling Bill Guerin :
INSIDER TRADING…
– Does Fleury land on a contender?
– Stamkos/Lightning
– Jets open to adding to bolster playoff run
– Blackhawks at the deadline
– Market for Merzlikens
– Latest on Coyotes’ quest to finalize land buyMORE: https://t.co/mgNtVSW5jt pic.twitter.com/9gpi4ZLZTC
– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) January 16, 2024
All this to say that Kent Hughes’ job just got a little harder with the current availability of several NHL goaltenders.
Jake Allen may have won last night… but that doesn’t change the situation much. Because at the end of the day, it’s the overpriced goaltender’s contract that’s handcuffing Kent Hughes at the moment.
He’s experienced and he’s already won a cup, but that doesn’t reduce the amount ($3.85 million) he’ll receive by the end of his contract (summer 2025).
In bursts
– Joel Armia seems to be quite a character.
Earlier today, I asked Joel Armia what factors made the difference between a good game and a bad one for him.
His answer?
“I dont know.”
The mystery continues.
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) January 16, 2024
– He’s got his bearings back.
Points leaders in 2024:
15 – Matt Tkachuk
15 – Elias Pettersson
12 – J.T. Miller
12 – Nathan MackinnonTkachuk’s New Years resolution was to be way better at hockey. pic.twitter.com/mQSRaY4M2d
– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) January 16, 2024
– It’s hard not to smile when watching this video.
Full no-trade claws pic.twitter.com/5dFNWQOVFj
– The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) January 16, 2024
– Wonderful!
Matthew Bergeron named Falcons Rookie of the Year https://t.co/Hh8VxNmxFo
– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) January 16, 2024