Scoop: After trading Monahan, the Canadiens started shopping Allen this week to assess the goaltender market. One of the key aspects of the Monahan trade was not retaining any salary, which allowed keeping a spot for Allen - or to use it later at the deadline as a third party in a big trade.
The Canadiens know it's not ideal to go through the whole season with three goalies. They appreciate Cayden Primeau's progress. Allen is a veteran with a calming influence and a highly respected teammate and tandem partner. Now that Sam Montembeault has been extended, it's clear that the crease belongs to him in the long term, making Allen a goalie who can be traded to a team looking for experience and consistency.» - Frank Seravalli
He also added that, since the Canadiens did not retain any salary in the transaction with the Jets, Kent Hughes could retain part of Jake Allen's contract to facilitate a potential trade and possibly get a more attractive return.
Furthermore, Frank Seravalli mentions that if the Canadiens can't find a trading partner for the former St. Louis Blues goaltender, the CH's GM could use his last "retention slot" to help a team conclude a trade. He could agree to retain part of a player's salary to obtain a draft pick, much like he did with the Erik Karlsson trade last summer.
Certainly, Kent Hughes is a very busy man at the moment, and it would not be surprising if he concludes more transactions by March 8.
