Canadiens Trade Goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils

The Montreal Canadiens have made a significant move by trading goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils, as reported by various media outlets. The Canadiens will retain 50% of Allen’s remaining salary and in return, receive a conditional third-round draft pick in 2025, which could escalate to a second-round pick if Allen plays 40 games between this season and next.

This trade marks the end of the trio of goaltenders that the Canadiens had in their lineup. With Cayden Primeau and Samuel Montembeault sharing time in the net alongside Allen, it became evident that the 33-year-old veteran was the odd man out.

General Manager Kent Hughes had initially expressed a willingness to keep Allen until the summer, but on deadline day, he found an offer he deemed suitable for the team’s future.

In an interview with TVA Sports following the trade announcement, Allen admitted to facing challenges in recent months. He mentioned the difficulty of the situation for all three goalies and expressed his belief that Montembeault should now see more playing time.

Allen, who has had a tough season with only six wins in 21 games played, now joins a struggling New Jersey Devils team hoping to provide some stability in goal.

The Canadiens acquired Allen in September 2020 from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two draft picks after he spent his entire career with the Blues, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019.

Initially brought in as a backup to Carey Price, Allen’s workload increased due to Price’s injuries. In his first season with Montreal, he played over half of the team’s games before his own season was cut short in 2021-2022.

With a rebuild underway in Montreal and battling his own injury issues, Allen’s performance suffered in the current season, with his statistics declining. The trade to New Jersey now provides a fresh start for the goaltender.

Reflecting on his time with the Canadiens, Allen shared memories of his emotional first season, the honor of playing with Carey Price, and the near-Cup run in 2021. He expressed gratitude for the friendships made in Montreal and hoped for his former teammates to lift the Stanley Cup.

With one more year remaining on his contract, the Canadiens will retain a portion of Allen’s salary, impacting their salary cap for the upcoming seasons as they continue managing their finances.