December 28, 2023 | 4:28pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
ALLEN TRADE TALKS SET TO HEAT UP?
Jake Allen, goaltender
With the NHL holiday roster freeze now lifted, teams looking to bolster themselves between the pipes may escalate trade talks and those discussions could intensify once the calendar flips to 2024.
The Montreal Canadiens have generated plenty of interest in their goaltenders, namely veteran Jake Allen, this season and could move him before the March 8 trade deadline.
Allen, 33, has one more year left on his contract after this season and comes with a $3.85 million salary cap hit. He also owns a seven-team no-trade list.
The Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams that have poked around on Allen’s availability this season, and other clubs could express interest, as well.
During his Wednesday appearance on “NHL Tonight” on NHL Network, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported that trade talks involving Allen are expected to pick up steam going into the New Year.
“For a team that’s looking to bring in a depth goaltender, somebody that can come in as a 1B that has Cup experience, he’s going to generate more interest in the next little bit,” Pagnotta said.
Could the Montréal Canadiens look to trade Jake Allen? @TheFourthPeriod gives an update. @TonyLuftman | #GoHabsGo | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/SB1DqlOUr2
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) December 28, 2023
The Canadiens do not appear to be in a rush to move Allen, however, and are comfortable keeping three goalies on the roster all season if the right trade offer does not present itself.
In 12 games with the Habs so far this season, Allen has posted a 4-6-2 record, along with a 3.43 goals-against-average and a .904 save percentage.