Top 10 Habs Moments of 2023 & Allen Rumored Trade Destinations
A look at the Habs' top 10 moments of 2023, rumored trade destinations for Allen, and more.
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In today’s edition, we take a look at the Habs' top 10 moments of 2023, rumored trade destinations for Allen, and more.
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Top 10 Significant Canadiens Moments of 2023
December 29, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
The Montreal Canadiens went through their fair share of ups and downs in 2023. However, when you literally end the previous calendar year with a 9-2 loss, things tend to largely look rosier in comparison. So, all in all, the Canadiens must happy with how this past year went, these top 10 moments coming to define it… and general manager Kent Hughes’ ongoing rebuild:
Rumoured Trade Destinations for Canadiens Goalie Jake Allen
December 28, 2023 by Rob Couch
The Montreal Canadiens have far from figured out their goalie situation. What we can assume from Sam Montembeault’s recent contract extension is that he is the most likely of the three goaltenders on the roster to be staying put. The other two are Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau.
The Canadiens have tried to get all of their goalies some starts as of late. But while they are hoping everyone does well, there just might be a little more of an incentive to cheer for Allen to play well and win. This is because his name has come up as one of the potential Canadiens being shopped this season.
With Montembeault signed, the team not yet giving Primeau the best look, and the Canadiens still being in a rebuilding phase, Allen is a veteran that will garner some attention and could realistically be traded. He has one more year on his deal after this one at a cap hit of $3.85 million AAV (average annual value). Unless a team will be without their starter and have money available, the Canadiens will be retaining some of that if they move him. There have been a number of teams around the league linked to the Canadiens in regards to an Allen trade this season, so let’s take a look at every single one of them.
Canadiens Still Far from Playoffs Despite Strong Play
December 26, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
The Montreal Canadiens may have made up some ground in the race for a 2024 playoff spot, this last little while. However, they still face a long road before anyone can call them realistic playoff contenders. This isn’t meant to “poopoo” their 8-4-3 record over their last 15 games, only put it in the proper perspective: They’re only better off than they had been at the start by the slimmest of margins.
To illustrate, the Canadiens are now a respectable four points out of the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot, which the Tampa Bay Lightning currently own. The Habs also have two games in hand, meaning to a degree they’re in charge of their own destiny, which is all anyone can reasonably ask of them at this point of their rebuild. By all accounts, things are on track in that regard, in other words.
However, if you go back a month or so to when the run in question started? Back on Nov. 21, they were also four points out of a playoff spot, albeit six back on the Lightning, with one game in hand. So, they have gained ground on them at least. However, the Carolina Hurricanes were in the second wild-card spot then, with 20 points to the Canadiens’ 16, having also played one fewer game.