Jake Allen Finally Comments on Being Traded, and His Responses Will Surprise You
In recent weeks, Montreal Canadiens' general manager Kent Hughes resolved a significant matter by extending the contract of 27-year-old Quebec goaltender Samuel Montembeault for three seasons. However, this announcement quickly shifted the spotlight to the other two Canadiens goaltenders, Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau.
Hughes has expressed his intention to end the three-goalie situation soon. With Montembeault confirmed for the next three years, it seems likely that Hughes will have to make a decision between Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau regarding a potential trade.
In a recent interview with Arpon Basu from The Athletic, 33-year-old veteran Jake Allen broke his silence for the first time about the various speculations surrounding him. He displayed professionalism by acknowledging that trade rumors are part of the business, but he expressed a strong desire to stay with the team.
"It's part of the business. It's obvious that when you have three [goalies], this is going to happen, like OK, there's a guy who shouldn't be on your team but he is. That's how it is, especially in a team that is in the position we are, meaning we're not going to the Stanley Cup, this year. It's natural. I've been through it before and it is what it is. There's a lot of talk. I think a trade is much more difficult to make than people think. People can talk about it, but it's much harder to do, especially in our time, with the numbers and everything else. But I hope it's not me who gets traded." - Jake Allen
Considering Allen's recent struggles, having lost his last seven games with a disappointing goals-against average of 4.24, many fans expected him to be the goalie sacrificed by Kent Hughes.
Adding to Allen's challenges, Cayden Primeau continues to improve with each game. The young American goalie was sensational in the 3-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres, stopping 46 of 48 shots. He is increasingly establishing himself as an NHL goaltender, which could ultimately work against the veteran.
Despite his recent poor performances, Allen stated that the Canadiens' GM had not yet contacted him about a trade. Although Hughes is not obliged to do so, Allen's no-trade clause suggests that a trade might not be imminent.
"I haven't heard anything so far. I know there's been a lot of talk, but realistically, I haven't heard anything. And if there was something, I think Kent would come and tell me. For now, I'm here for this group. That's why I signed. I signed for a few years to help this team grow on and off the ice. When I'm done here, I want to look back and feel like I did something good for the organization." - Jake Allen
Wow! While some might see this as trivial, the fact that Kent Hughes has not contacted Jake Allen suggests that the three-goalie situation might persist, leaving fans waiting for a resolution.
Certainly, if Jake Allen wishes to stay with the Canadiens, he must regain his early-season form and start winning games, as Cayden Primeau increasingly appears to be the better option to back up Samuel Montembeault.
| POLL |
11 DECEMBRE | 110 ANSWERS Jake Allen Finally Comments on Being Traded, and His Responses Will Surprise You Who should the Canadiens trade? |
| Jake Allen | 97 | 88.2 % |
| Cayden Primeau | 13 | 11.8 % |
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