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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Wednesday’s trade between St. Louis and Montreal.
Todd Cordell
I think the Blues made out like bandits here.
Jake Allen is coming off a solid year, however, he was a subpar goaltender in both 2017-18 and 2018-19 and he makes a lot of money.
The Blues, despite being in a very difficult financial situation, managed to parlay a $4.3M backup goaltender into a 3rd round pick. Considering how much money Allen makes, and how badly the Blues needed to clear it, they should’ve had next to no leverage in negotiations. They smashed this one out of the park.
I fully understand the backup position has not been kind to Montreal in recent years. I do. But there are plenty of quality options slated to hit free agency, and the Habs likely could have landed one at a lesser cost while keeping the extra draft pick.
Carey Price looked much more himself in the postseason. Like Jake Allen, though, he’s failed to reach a .910 save percentage in two of the last three regular seasons. And now the Canadiens are going to have nearly $15 million invested in a tandem that’s been closer to average than elite.
In short, St. Louis landed a solid draft pick for an ultra-expensive backup goaltender they absolutely had to trade.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens paid a pretty hefty price (relatively speaking) – and did the Blues a big favor – while attempting to solve their backup problem.
Sean Maloughney
This is a really weird move by the Habs and a solid one by the St Louis Blues. Binnington is the clear cut starter for the Blues and moving Allen and his 4.35 million dollar cap hit out gives the team some much needed cap space that will perhaps go towards the team trying to re-sign Pietrangelo. In addition, the Blues have the young 25 year old Ville Husso who the team reportedly wants to bring up as the backup for next season. Getting a third round pick on top is icing on the cake.
Meanwhile the Canadiens now have nearly 15 million dollars spent on two goaltenders next season in Price and Allen. Maybe this signals Price's end in Montreal but I don't see any team picking up his contract. In reality the Habs likely just want to be able to cut back on the total games Price plays but Allen is an expensive backup in that regard.
Of all the needs in Montreal, "adding another overpriced goalie" shouldn't have been on the list and unless another big move is about to happen this likely all but proves Domi will not be returning.
numbers via naturalstattrick.com
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