The Montreal Canadiens will hope to find out Carey Price’s future when training camp starts in September. At the Habs season-ending meet the media session, Price admitted to the media that he was contemplating retirement.
If Price decides to retire, who should be Montreal’s goalie for next season and beyond?
The Habs will have $10.5 million opened up in salary cap space if Price goes on long-tern injured reserve or retires. GM Kent Hughes does not believe Jake Allen will be the successor to Price.
If the Habs decide to go the trade route, it will not be until the 2023 NHL trade deadline where a potential goalie could become available to be a successor to Carey Price.
3 potential replacements for Carey Price
Samuel Montembeault or Cayden Primeau
If Price does indeed retire, the Montreal Canadiens will give a long look at either Samuel Montembeault or Cayden Primeau while spitting time with current starter Jake Allen.
This is the Habs preferred route to go, but if both goalies struggle leading up to the NHL trade deadline, they could start sniffing around that time or the 2023 NHL entry draft for a #1 goalie.
Frederik Andersen
Frederik Andersen is due to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and if Carolina does not re-sign him, the Habs may come knocking next summer. Andersen could be a great mentor for the Canadiens young goalies and if GM Hughes feels the Habs are a playoff contender next year, Andersen should be on the Habs radar.
Jake Oettinger
Dallas is having a hard time re-signing Jake Oettinger to a long-term deal this summer. NHL rumors have the Stars and Oettinger at an impasse and he could sign a short term bridge deal.
If there is tension between the Stars and Oettinger, the Habs could come calling and ask what is the asking price for Oettinger.
