The improved play of Cayden Primeau

The improved play of Cayden Primeau

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

First of all, I would like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her outstanding editing of my articles, adding facts and updating the article between the time I’ve written it and it’s being published. A tip of my hat to you, Judy.

I decided to write this article due to the much improved play of Cayden Primeau since Jake Allen was traded to the New Jersey Devils on March 7, 2024. For more information on the trade, please see my article at:

https://montrealsportsblog.wordpress.com/2024/03/11/jake-allen-traded-to-thenew-jersey-devils

First of all, I would thank HABS Goalie Coach Eric Raymond for working with Cayden Primeau on the extra sheet of ice at the HABS practice facility in Brossard, to help him develop and get rid of the flaws in his game. Although, practice isn’t the same as getting actual playing time in meaningful games, it does help being able to work on specific aspects one-on-one with a coach. This was done when the HABS had their three goaltenders, , Samual Montembeault, Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau. This was one of the benefits of having three goalies, as Raymond could work one-on-one with each of them to address their individual needs.

On March 13, 2024 Primeau recorded his first NHL career shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets, which was his first game after the Jake Allen trade.

I see two reasons for Primeau’s improved play, the first being more confidence, as he is now Montembeault’s back-up. He doesn’t have to wonder if he’ll be benched for an extended period, if he has a bad game. The second reason is more games helps his development and getting more comfortable with how his defensemen play. This helps knowing where everyone will be and all being on the same page.

I don’t see Primeau’s position as back-up goalie being threatened by any of the upcoming goalies currently in the HABS system, either with the Laval Rocket or the Trois Rivieres Lions.

Perhaps in three or four years Jacob Fowler could threaten Primeau’s position. In three or four years Primeau could be the starter and Montembeault could have been traded, it’s all just speculation, at this point. Jacob Fowler still has several years left to play in the NCAA at Boston College, then he’ll still need time with Laval to adjust to the demands of playing professional hockey.

Jacon Fowler was the HABS 2023 NHL Entry Draft 3rd round selection at 69th overall. Fowler’s stats this season for Boston College, as of March 28, 2024 GP 35 SV% 0.925 GAA 2.19

Of course things could change if GM Kent Hughes makes a trade or signs a free agent goaltender.

Highest SV% in a season-@CanadiensMTL rookie goalies(minimum 15 GP)

1971-72 Ken Dryden 0.930

2007-08 Carey Price 0.920

1966-67 Rogie Vachon 0.915

2023-24 Cayden Primeau 0.913(29 saves in 4-1vs PHI)

1967-68 Rogie Vachon 0.913

1972-73 Michel Plasse 0.912

SOURCES

PRIMEAU’S SHUTOUT

https://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/national sports/article 13C9060e-23c8-5f64-965d-0139cbda4c69.html

FOWLER’S STATS AND DRAFT

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/jacob-fowler

JUDY’S THOUGHTS

Cayden Primeau was drafted by former HABS GM Marc Bergevin in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in the 7th round at 199th overall.

Many thought, myself included that he would be the heir to Carey Price, but nothing happens that quickly. He had shown some signs of brilliance in net and we could see what he could become, given time.

Primeau was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA on August 11, 1999(24 years old currently). He is the son of former NHLer Keith Primeau. He is 6’3″(191cm) and weighs 203lbs(92kg). His stats have shown a slow but steady improvement since 2019-20.

PRIMEAU’S STATS

2019-20 MTL Canadiens GP 2 GAA 2.52 SV% 0.931

Laval Rocket GP 33 GAA 2.45 SV% 0.908

2020-21 MTL Canadiens GP 4 GAA 4.16 SV% 0.849

Laval Rocket GP 16 GAA 2.10 SV% 0.909

2021-22 MTL Canadiens GP 12 GAA 4,62 SV% 0,868

Laval Rocket GP 33 GAA 2.94 SV% 0.909 2022-23

MTL Canadiens GP 3 GAA 3.46 SV% 0.852

Laval Rocket GP 41 GAA 3.04 SV% 0.909 2023-24 MTL Canadiens GP 18 GAA 2.75 SV% 0.913

Last 10 games GA 21 SVS 264 SV% 0.926 SOURCE

https://www.eliteprospects.com