Canadiens: Is Sticking With Primeau A Risk?

Before the start of the season, the Montreal Canadiens brass said they wanted the team to be "in the mix". 25 games in (and earlier than that really), it has become clear that's highly unlikely. One of the many issues the Habs have faced since the puck dropped in October has been subpar goaltending, mainly from backup Cayden Primeau.

Don't get me wrong, Samuel Montembeault hasn't been great either, not by a long shot, but Primeau's fall from grace has been nothing short of spectacular. He's taken part in 10 games, has a 2-3-1 record, a 4.45 goals-against average and a .844 save percentage.

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He looks nervous in net and appears to have lost most of his confidence, which appears to be the case for the team as a whole as well when he's in net unfortunately. A weak glove-hand, issues knowing where he stands in the net and tacking the puck, there are numerous red lights. Is that a risk for the Canadiens? Do they risk creating another problem by sticking with Primeau?

To be honest, I do not think so. As previously stated it's highly unlikely the Canadiens will be anywhere near the mix they initially contemplated. From then on, what do they stand to lose? I think calling up Jacub Dobes from the Laval Rocket would be more of a risk to be honest. Not because I'm afraid it would be rushing him, but rather because the environment in Montreal is not exactly suited to the development of a goaltender right now.

I know, this is a rebuild and a lot of players are currently in their developmental stage, but things are different for a goaltender. Being thrown to the wolves rarely works with very young goaltenders. Make a mistake on the ice as a skater and you've got four other skaters there to fix the mistake for you, make a mistake as a goaltender and, more often than not, the puck will end up in your net.

Surrender a few bad goals and the crease becomes a very lonely place in a hurry. Primeau's development hasn't been very straightforward, and Covid is part of the reason why, but they don't have to make a mistake to correct one from the past. Leave Dobes in Laval and, next year, when Jacob Fowler gets there, it will be time to take stock again. You have to wonder if Kent Hughes regrets not being more aggressive to land Yaroslav Askarov now...

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