Aatos Koivu

Aatos Koivu

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Anonymous

First of all I like to thank Anonymous for editing this article for me on very short notice. I tip of my hat to you Anonymous.

Aatos Koivu, the son of the esteemed former HABS captain SAKU KOIVU, is poised to make his mark in the upcoming NHL entry draft. While not projected as a first-round pick, Aatos Koivu is anticipated to be selected around the HABS’ second-round draft pick.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Aatos plays as a center but is expected to excel as a third-line center rather than a top-six forward. Born on June 22, 2006, in Turku, Finland, Aatos Koivu is a 17-year-old prospect standing at 6’0″ (183cm) and weighing 170 lbs (77kg). Distinguishing himself from his father, he shoots right-handed, adding a unique dimension to his playing style.

In the 2023-24 season, Aatos represented Finland in the WJC-18 tournament, contributing one assist in five games. Noteworthy is his +1 rating in the tournament, showcasing his defensive prowess, a trait often undervalued in young players.

The HABS’ second-round pick, number 57, presents a significant opportunity for the team following their earlier selections at numbers 5 and 26 in the first round. As anticipation builds around these picks, there is optimism that Aatos Koivu could bring a valuable contribution to the team, carrying forward the legacy of his father.

Saku Koivu, initially chosen 21st overall by the HABS in 1993, overcame early criticism to establish a remarkable career that silenced doubters and solidified his place in hockey history.

Sources

Aatos Koivu stats and size.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/aatos-koivu

Saku Koivu drafted

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/saku-koivu

Tanner Pearson doesn’t wish to extend with HABS

Tanner Pearson doesn’t wish to extend with HABS

Written by Fred Arshoff

I’m not sure of how many of you heard that Tanner Pearson doesn’t wish to extend with the HABS. I would like to give my thoughts on it.

I’ll start at the begging as normally that is the best place to start. The HABS squired Pearson on September 19, 2023 with a 3 round draft pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft The HABS traded goaler Casey DeSmith to the Vancouver Canucks .I feel that trade was made as HABS GM Kent Hughes didn’t wish to start the season with four goalers and all who would have had to be placed on waivers to be assigned to the Laval Rocket.

I don’t see HABS GM Hughes being worried about loosing Pearson it will clear a contract space and also save $3,250,000 on the salary cap. The breakdown is a base pay of $2,750,000 and a $1,500,000 signing bonus. contract was signed by the Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning. This money can be better used to extend Arber Xhekaj, who is a RFA as well as Justin Barron, also a RFA. Both of these two players are making under one million a year, the rest can be used toward getting atop six forward either in a trade or signing a free agent.

Also Pearson’s numbers don’t warnet such a salary in the 54 games he played with the HABS in the 2023-24 season he had 5 goals and and 8 assists for a total of 13 points, he was a -12 and had 21 penalty minutes.

With the HABS also looking at a youth movement now Pearson doesn’t fit into that either he is 31 years old born on August 10,1992, thus when the season starts he will be 32 years old.

In closing I would like to wish Tanner Pearson the best of luck of finding employment in the NHL.

Sources

HABS aquire Tanner Pearson

https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-acquire-tanner-pearson-and-a-2025-3rd-round-pick-from-vancouver

Tanner Pearsons stats

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/tanner-pearson#:~:text=Tanner%20Pearson%20signed%20a%203%20year%2C%20%249%2C750%2C000%20contract%20with%20the,a%20cap%20hit%20of%20%243%2C250%2C000.

Oliver Kapanen signs 3 year ELC with HABS

Oliver Kapanen signs 3 year ELC with HABS

Written by Fred Arshoff

On Saturday June 15,2024 the HABS announced they have signed Oliver Kapanen to a three year ELC (entry level contract). This contract gives him a base pay of $832,500 per year and a signing bonus of $92,500 per year. The salary cap hit is $925,000 While playing with the Laval Rocket he gets $80,000.

Kapanen is 20 years old born on July 29,2002 in Sundsvall, Sweden he is 6’1″185cm and weighs 182 lbs83kg. He shoots right and plays center. Kapanen was drafted in the 2021 NHL entry draft in the second round the 64th overall player selected in the draft.

This draft pick was made by former HABS GM Marc Bergevin. Kapanen may have dropped to the second round due playing in Finland and he will have to adjust to the North American game.

He was the number-one centre for his home country Finland during the World Juniors tournament. A team that he also captained while scoring two goals and three points. He posted 12 goals, and 15 assists for 27 points through 55 games with Kalpa in Liiga.

Kapanen played in the WJC in these years

In 2021-22 the WJC-20 Cancelled but Kapanen was selected to play on the team if not cancelled due to COVID19

2021-22 WJC-20 in 7 games 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points

2022-23 WJC-20 in 5 games 2 goals and 1 assit for 3 points

2023-24 WC played in 8 games and had 6 goals and no assists for 6 points.

So we can see with the numbers his play got better.

I can see Kapanen in 1 1/2 years being the HABS number 3 center The reason for the 1 1/2 years is he has to learn the North American game, I see captain Nick Suzuki being the number one center for many more years, As the mumber two center I see Kirby Dach if he remains healthy,

In closing I would like to wish Oliver Kapanen the best of luck in his hockey career in the HABS orgnsation.

Goalies the HABS may look at this off-season

Goalies the HABS may look at this off-season

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of my article. A tip of my hat to you, Judy.

I decided to write this article, as my friend Karen Elizabeth Knechtel asked, “Will the HABS draft a goaltender in this year’s draft?” As I always do, I’ll answer in the form of an article so everyone knows my thoughts.

As most of us know that the HABS drafted Carey Price in the 2005 NHL Entry draft at 5th overall and developed him into a true #1 goaltender. Since then they have not drafted, traded or signed a goalie who has turned into a #1 goaltender, who could truly be the replacement for Carey Price.

None of the goalies drafted by former GM Marc Bergevin have panned out.

Zackary Fucale was drafted from the 2013 NHL Entry draft in the 2nd round at 36th overall. In the 2021-22 season Fucale played 4 games with the Washington Capitals and that seems to be the extent of his NHL career.

The last goalie drafted by the HABS who has played in the NHL is Cayden Primeau. Primeau was drafted in the 2017 NHL Entry draft in the 7th round as the 99th overall selection. Although, still with the HABS organization, I don’t see him as the #1 goaltender but as a back-up at best.

There was Charlie Lindgren who was signed as a free-agent in 2015, he has played 110 NHL games and is currently with the Washington Capitals.

The HABS traded picks to the St Louis Blues to get Jake Allen to be the back-up for Carey Price.

The HABS then picked up Samuel Montembeault off waivers from the Florida Panthers to be Jake Allen’s back-up, once it was confirmed that Carey Price could no longer play due to injury. Although, Monty has become the HABS #1 goaltender, in my eyes he is not a true #1 goalie.

I have no clue if this was bad scouting or poor development, but it was under GM Marc Bergevin and the previous management group. Hopefully, under the current GM Kent Hughes things will change.

The HABS drafted Jacob Fowler in the 2023 NHL Entry draft from the 3rd round at 69th overall. . By all accounts he is considered a Blue Chip prospect, however we won’t see him with the HABS organization this coming season as he has chosen to return to Boston College in the NCAA for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Although, Fowler is considered a Blue Chip prospect, so was Charlie Lindgren when he was at St Clouds in the NCAA and unfortunately did not live up to expectations

I always believe in having a plan B and that would be to draft Carter George in the second round, if he is still available. The 2nd round pick was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, along with Justin Barron, in the Artturi Lehkonen trade. The HABS don’t have their own 2nd round pick in this draft, as it was traded to the Arizona Coyotes to acquire Christian Dvorak.

Carter George played for Canada at the U18 WJC and was outstanding. Carter George’s numbers at the U18 WJC: 6GP 2.33GAA 0.915SV% OHL Owen Sound Attack: 56GP 3.30GAA 0.907SV% I was very impressed with Carter George at the U18 WJC and feel with proper development he has the potential to become a #1 goalie in the NHL. He is currently the 2nd best goalie on the North American scouting list.

For a plan C and to have a back-up goalie for the Laval Rocket, I would invite Mathis Rousseau to the HABS development camp is held soon after the NHL Entry draft. Let’s see what he brings to the table as he went undrafted in the 2023 NHL Entry draft. Mathis Rousseau was the starting goalie for Team Canada at the 2024 WJC. He is the 1st starting goalie for Team Canada to go undrafted twice in the NHL draft. To invite him to development camp doesn’t use up a draft pick or salary cap space. If he look promising, he can be signed to an AHL contract for Laval. There is still plenty of room to do that, as the HABS have 58/90 players allowed on their reserve list.

SOURCES

ZACHARY FUCALE STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/zachary-fucale

CAYDEN PRIMEAU STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/cayden-primeau ‘

CHARLIE LINDGREN STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/charlie-lindgren#:~:text=Charlie%20Lindgren’s%20salary%20is%20%241%2C000,a%20value%20of%20%248%2C850%2C000.

JAKE ALLEN STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/jake-allen

SAMUEL MONTEMBEAULT STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/samuel-montembeault

CARTER GEORGE STATS

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/carter-george

JUDY’S THOUGHTS

What seems lost in this conversation are all the goalies already in the HABS organization, including 3 of the 9 draft picks from the 2023 NHL Entry draft.

Here are goaltenders in the system or draft prospects from previous drafts.

JAKUB DOBES 2020 NHL Entry draft 5th round at 136th overall. He is 6’4″ 201lbs 23 years old. 2023-24 Laval Rocket 52 GP 2.03GAA 0.901SV%

STRAUSS MANN undrafted 6’0″ 174lbs 25 years old 2023-24 Laval Rocket 15GP 3.69GAA 0,879SV% 2023-24 Trois Riviers 11GP 2.59GAA 0,910SV%

2023 NHL ENTRY DRAFT PICKS: JACOB FOWLER 3rd round 69th 6’2″ 214lbs 19 years old 2023-24 NCAA Boston College 39GP 2.14GAA 0.926SV%

QUENTIN MILLER 4th round 128th 6’3″ 187lbs 19 years old 2023-24 Remparts 27GP 3.04GAA 0,905SV% 2023-24 Oceanic 15GP 2.60GAA 0.917SV% 2022-23 Quentin Miller was the back-up to William Rousseau under coach Patrick Roy when the Quebec Remparts won the Memorial Cup.

YEVGENI VOLOKHIN 5th round 144th 6’3″ 168lbs 19 years old

2023-24 Mamonty Yugry/MHL 31GP 1.57GAA 0.938SV%

Tuesday the HABS signed Swiss goalie Connor Hughes as back-up to Dobes for the Rocket. He is 6’4″ 225lbs 27 years old. His stats 2023-24 Lausanne HC 19GP 1.73GAA 0.940SV%

More additions to the Laval Rocket for the 2024-25 Season

More additions to the Laval Rocket for the 2024-25 Season

Written by Fred Arshoff

Editied by Judy Pitcher

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

The following players have signed entry level contracts and joined the Laval Rocket line-up over the last 2 weeks of the 2023-24 season: Florian Xhekaj at center, Lane Hutson on defense and Luke Tuch on left wing.

I decided to write this article to inform people of a couple of other excellent young prospects coming up the pipeline.

Players who have not yet played 3 professional games between them. First we have Owen Beck

who was an emergency call-up by the HABS and played one game during the 2022-23 season.

Second we have Filip Mesar

who played two games with the Laval Rocket in the 2023-24 season before being loaned to the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Both Beck and Mesar are offensive-minded forwards who had career highes in goals this season in the OHL.

Mesar was the HABS 1st round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft at 26th overall.For more information on Mesar being loaned to the Kitchener Rangers, please see my article at: https://montrealsportsblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/22/filip-mesar-loaned-to-the-kitchener-rangers/

Beck was the HABS 2nd round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft at 33rd overall.

Beck started the 2023-24 season with the Peterborough Petes but was traded to the Saginaw Spirit on January 8, 2024 just prior to the OHL trade deadline. For more information on this trade, please see my article at: https://montrealsportsblog.wordpress.com/2024/02/05/owen-beck-traded-and-what-it-means/

To make room for the new arrivals on the Laval Rocket, there are several players who will become UFA’s and RFA’s on July 1, 2024. I’m sure several will most likely be moving on.

The UFA’s are:

Philippe Maillet(center)

Mitchell Stephens(center)

Arnaud Durandeau(winger)

Brady Keeper(defense)

The RFA’s are:

Filip Cederqvist(winger)

Lias Andersson(center/winger)

Justin Barron(defense)

Mattias Norlinder(defense)

As we get closer to July 1, 2024, I will discuss which players I think the HABS will extend and those I feel will not be extended. I wish to wait until then, as trades can be made at the NHL Entry Draft.

For all those wondering about the status of Jacob Fowler

all indications are that he will be returning to the NCAA Boston College Eagles for the 2024-25 season. He can be invited to the HABS post-draft development camp but, must cover all his own expenses including travel, hotel, meals, etc. However, playing in the NCAA means he can not attend the HABS rookie camp.

SOURCE

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/canadiens

Logan Mailloux plays in his 1st NHL game

Logan Mailloux plays in his 1st NHL game

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, informations and updating stats between the time I write the article and it’s being published. A tip of my hat to you, Judy.

I decided to write this article after the HABS announced on the morning of Tuesday April 16, 2024, that they were calling up Logan Mailloux from the Laval Rocket. That game would be the second of the two home-and-home games against the Detroit Red Wings, which would also be the final game of the HABS 2023-24 season.

I know I’m not the only fan who wanted to see Logan Mailloux play at least one game for the HABS this season. We all got our wish and we were not disappointed. I know that Martine McGuire was really happy when she read the news, as she had seen him play with the London Knights prior to his coming up to the Laval Rocket to play this season. I believe the reason he was called up for the last game was to reward him for how well he has developed over his 1st year playing professional hockey. And to wish him a very happy 21st Birthday on April 15th.

There are several people who have worked to help develop him, starting with Rocket Head Coach Jean Francois Houle and the assistant coaches. Also contributing to his development are Head of Player Development Rob Ramage and Head of Hockey Development Adam Nicholas. Mailloux’s being paired with Arber Xhekaj, when he was sent down on a conditioning stint(and to improve his defensive play) after his shoulder injury, definitely helped Mailloux’s development. The 17 games Xhekaj and Mailloux played together, saw a marked improvent over this 2023-24 season.

After watching the game, I was impressed with Mailloux’s play and glad they gave him some ice-time in the overtime. I felt the extra ice-time he got in the overtime period, was Martin St Louis trying to boost his confidence, allowing him to play in OT in his very 1st NHL game.

Like Lane Hutson the previous night, Mailloux got an assist in his 1st NHL game. Mike Matheson retrieved the puck I’m sure it made him feel special and respected by his teammates. so Logan would have a souvenir

.

Photo below Logan Mailloux with puck his 1st NHL point

On Wednesday April 17, 2024, GM Kent Hughes re-assigned Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron, Jayden Struble and Joshua Roy to Laval for their final 2 games and a push to the playoffs. Hopefully, playing in the playoffs will help their development. I’m certain Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes will be attending the Rocket games to see how all the young prospects are playing for these extremely important games.

In closing, Judy and I would like to wish Logan Mailloux the very best in his hockey career, especially with the HABS for many years to come.

LOGAN MAILLOUX STATS

2021-22 OHL 12GP 3G 6A 9Pts 13PIM

2022-23 OHL 59GP 25G 28A 53Pts 77PIM

2023-24 AHL 70GP 14G 33A 47Pts89 PIM

2023-24 NHL 1GP 0G 1A 1Pt 0PIM

OHL – London Knights

AHL – Laval Rocket

NHL – Montreal Canadiens

SOURCE

https://www.eliteprospects.com – Logan Mailloux

Why isn’t Jordan Harris on IR

Why isn’t Jordan Harris on IR

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

DISCLAIMER

This article was written on February 17,2024 when Harris wore a “non-contact” jersey while skating prior to practice.

On February 10, 2024 in the game against the Dallas Stars, Jordan Harris was checked into the boards and left the ice. The HABS announced quickly that he would not return to the game. The next day the HABS announced that Harris would be out day-to-day with an upper body injury, which appeared to be a possible concussion. It’s now a week later, he still has not played but is skating alone in a “non-contact” jersey. If that is the case it is more than just day-to-day.

With Harris wearing a “non-contact” jersey, what happens on game day if one of the defensemen wake up sick and they don’t have time to call up a player from Laval? Do the HABS play with only 5 defensemen? It’s not something I would want to risk doing. I would always want to start a game with 6 defensemen, if one get hurt in a game, that can’t be helped but let’s start the game the right way. We saw what happened when the HABS tried to avoid bringing up a forward and started a game with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, it didn’t work out well. Why risk the same type of thing happening, when we have players available to be called up.

What I would do is very simple. I would place Harris on IR and call up Logan Mailloux, as I stated in my article at: https://montrealsportsblog.wordpress.com.2024/02/16/lets-try-some-chemistry-with-the-habs/

Logan Mailloux had 2 assists in the Rocket’s game tonight February 17, 2024 and now leads the AHL in scoring by a defenseman with 35 points in 47 games. So we can see he also brings offensive production.

If Harris were on IR it wouldn’t require sending anyone down to Laval. Once Harris was medically cleared to return to play, we can reassign Mailloux to Laval and no one needs to pass waivers. Thus, we don’t lose a player for nothing. Why not take advantage of Harris’ injury and see what the future brings for Mailloux. There is nothing to lose at this point in the season.

JUDY’S THOUGHTS

Placing a player on IR is not something that can be used on a whim. There are rules and criteria that need to be followed. A player placed on IR is ineligible to compete in NHL games for a period of NOT LESS than 7 days, they also need to miss a minimum of 4 games. A player can be put on IR retroactively in the event medical records indicate a player was injured earlier and the designation was made later. None of these criteria are met in the Jordan Harris injury, as he is already practicing with the team in a regular jersey as of Sunday February 18, 2024.

Let’s try some Chemistry with the HABS

Let’s try some Chemistry with the HABS

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

Photo Merge by Marlene Wall

First of all I would like to thank two ladies for their help with this article and others they have helped me with. First, my editor Judy Pitcher for editing, adding stats and information after I’ve written the articles but before publishing them. I’d also like to thank Marlene Wall for always being there when I’ve needed a photo merge for an article. A tip of my hat to both Judy and Marlene.

I have been discussing this with Martine McGuire for a while and decided to write an article about what we had spoken about. A tip of my hat to to you as well, Martine, for being an excellent sounding board.

As most of us are aware the March 8, 2024 Trade Deadline is fast approaching, as the NHL regular season winds down.

What I would like to see the HABS do now, instead of waiting until training camp, is to call up Logan Mailloux from the Laval Rocket and pair him with Arber Xhekaj. Yes, I said that. When Xhekaj was sent to Laval after his injury, he was paired with Mailloux for 17 games. They had great chemistry and Xhekaj helped Mailloux’s game improve tremendously.

Mailloux was then selected to represent the Laval Rocket at the AHL All Star game in San Jose, California. Why not see now, if they can reform that Chemistry in meaningful games at the NHL level.

Since they have already played together, they have a good idea of what the other brings to the game. It might take a practice or two to get their timing and rhythm back. I see them as a very good third defensive pairing for the HABS, two big men on the back-end.

This season is just about over, there is no harm in trying it now. If we wait until training camp and the pre-season, many teams don’t play their full NHL rosters, including the HABS. Let’s see what they can do against full NHL rosters in meaningful games and see what we have going forward. We should take advantage of the time on our side and get ready for the 2024-25 season.

Hopefully next season will be better for the HABS without so many injuries.

SOURCE

https://www.eliteprospects.com ARBER XHEKAJ with the Laval Rocket: 17GP 3G 8A 11Pts 34PIM +1 Logan Mailloux with the Laval Rocket: 45GP 11G 21A 32Pts 61PIM +6

Video below

ALEX BELZILE wasn’t extended by HABS and the cost to Belzile

ALEX BELZILE wasn’t extended by HABS and the cost to Belzile

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of my articles. A tip of my hat to you Judy.

As people know Alex Belzile became a UFA on July 1, 2023 and was not offered a contract extension by the HABS, which he had hoped for. The HABS felt they had a lot of young forwards and prospects in the system and would need room to bring them in. Belzile signed a two year contract with the New York Rangers. The first year is a two-way contract which pays him $775,000 in the NHL and $450,000 while he plays for the Hartford Wolf Pack , the Ranger’s AHL affiliate. The second year is a one-way deal which will pay him $775,000.

I understand Belzile’s point of view in signing with the Rangers, as it gave him two years of job security. More importantly there is a one-way deal in year two, paying him the NHL salary of $775,000 even when he is playing in the AHL. During the 2022-23 season he was on a two-way contract paying him only $250,000 while with the Laval Rocket. At 32 he decided to take the extra security and higher pay, as any of us would.

After Belzile signed with the Rangers and the HABS were hit with injuries, it opened up spaces to call up younger prospects like Mitchell Stephens and Emil Heineman. They would not have had that opportunity had Alex Belzile remained. Who could have foreseen the HABS being hit with a record amount of injuries for the 3rd straight year.

So far in the 2023-24 season Alex Belzile has only played for the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he has 11 goals 17 assists for 28 points in 30 games and is 0 on the +/- stat. He also has accumulated 22 minutes in penalties.

In closing I’d like to wish Alex Belzile the best of luck as he continues his hockey career.

SOURCE

Alex Belzile salary and stats

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/alex-blezile

Video below

HABS carrying 3 Goal Tenders

HABS carrying 3 Goal Tenders

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

Photo Merge by Marlene Wall

First of all I’d like to thank two ladies for all their help with this and previous articles. I’ll start with my editor Judy Pitcher, her excellent editing and fixing errors if something happens between the time I wrote the article and it being ready to publish. I’d also like to thank Marlene Wall for her always excellent photo merges whenever needed. A tip of my hat to both Judy and Marlene, without your help these articles wouldn’t be as good as they are.

I wrote this article as Thomas Ouiment on Facebook) were asking about the HABS carrying 3 goal tenders on their roster. I’ll answer in the form of an article, so everyone knows my thoughts on the subject. As I always do.

Before going into detail about the HABS carrying 3 goal tenders, I’ll mention that on January 10, 2024 the HABS lost defenseman Gustav Lindstrom off waivers to the Anaheim Ducks. For more information on that, please see my article at: https://montrealsportsblog.wordpress.com/2024/01/10/gustav-lindstrom-placed-on-waivers-january-9-2024/

Like everything in life there are pros and cons and I will explain what they are for GM Kent Hughes and Head Coach Marti St Louis,

HABS GM Kent Hughes has said he would like to trade a goalie by the trade deadline on March 8, 2024.However, he has a certain return he wants and as we’ve seen if he doesn’t get what he feels is the right return, he doesn’t make the trade. I understand his point of view, in that you don’t trade a player you feel is worth X but the other team only offers you Y, just for the sake of making a trade. He has also said he would like to have the issue resolved before next season. So far he has been a man of his word, so let’s give him a chance.

PROS for GM Kent Hughes

With the HABS having a surplus of goal tenders, as we currently do, means other teams who may not have enough in their system due to injury or the fact they may want to leave a young prospect in their AHL affiliate to continue his development, rather than rush him into the NHL. So if a team calls GM Hughes wanting to make a trade, knowing he has a surplus, can ask for a premium You have what another team wants why not take advantage of the situation. By having 3 goalies on the HABS roster, gives them the time to develop our future young goalies in Laval and Trois Rivieres. Remember we have two other young goalie prospects who will come up in the next year or two. We have Jacob Fowler who is in the NCAA at Boston College, he played for Team USA in the WJC, winning a Gold Medal. There is also Quentin Miller who is currently playing in the QMJHL for the Rimouski Oceanic (once Sidney Crosby’s team), he also won the Patrick Roy Trophy in the 2022-23 season while playing for the Quebec Remparts which also won the Memorial Cup. The Patrick Roy Trophy is awarded to the best Goaltender in the QMJHL. Last but not least, by having 3 goalies on the roster means not having to call up a goalie from Laval should one of our goalies get injured/sick and having to make a roster spot available.

CONS for GM Kent Hughes

When you carry 3 goalies, you are limited to only having two other positional players available. We saw when Raphael Harvey-Pinard returned off IR, the HABS had to clear a roster spot. Unfortunately they ended up having to put defenseman Gustav Lindstrom on waivers and he was claimed by the Anaheim Ducks. Thus we lost an asset and got nothing in return. You end up using more salary cap space on goal tenders than would normally be used.

PROS for Head Coach Martin St Louis

Having 3 goal tenders, St Louis can do what he has been doing when the team has back-to-back games where travel maybe involved. He has been sending the starting goalie for the second game to the next city, so they can get a good night’s rest. When on the road the team might not get into their hotel until the early hours of the morning on game day. Having 3 goalies is also creating competition among them to see who will play So far it appears that Sam Montembeault is becoming the number 1 starter. Also, if a goalie needs extra individual work with Goalie Coach Eric Raymond, St Louis still has 2 goalies available at team practice.

CONS for Head Coach Martin St Louis

Having 3 goalies it is difficult to keep them all sharp and game ready, as they need to play meaningful games. So far Montembeault has been getting the majority of starts,meaning Allen and Primeau won’t be as sharp, since practice is not the same as game play.

You should also establish a #1 Goalie and have him play the majority of the team’s games.