Montreal Canadiens reportedly shopping recently acquired goaltender

Earlier this month, the Montreal Canadiens got into the trade action as a third-party in the Erik Karlsson deal between the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks.

The Canadiens were able to move a pair of forwards, Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick, which now creates room for younger players to earn a spot in training camp, while bringing back defenceman Jeff Petry and adding goaltender Casey DeSmith. General Manager Kent Hughes didn't wait very long to move Jeff Petry, sending him to his home state of Michigan where he'll play for the Detroit Red Wings.

As for Casey DeSmith, Hughes told the goaltender that he won't bury him in the American Hockey League and will look at potentially trading him, but it may take some time with how the goaltending market it.




Flipping Casey DeSmith to another organization is definitely the right move for the Canadiens to do. They currently have a logjam in the crease with Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen more than likely being the tandem for the 2023-24 season, while Cayden Primeau now needs waivers to be assigned to the AHL, which makes things tricky.

If the Canadiens lose Cayden Primeau via waivers in the latter stages of training camp and DeSmith is still around, there's a possibility they could go with three goaltenders on their NHL roster, like the Calgary Flames are potentially going to do. But eventually, they'll need to stick with two of them and roll with it.

Samuel Montembeault isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but as the season drags on and teams are looking to add a backup goaltender with experience for a potential playoff run, Jake Allen and Casey DeSmith could become options.

Source: Montreal Hockey Now