Jake Allen will be the starting goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens this season. The Habs will be without long-time franchise goaltender Carey Price due to injury.
The Fredericton native, Allen, played in 35 games last season. Allen suffered from injuries that prevented him from playing even more games. The 32-year-old had a 3.30 goals-against-average and a .905 save percentage this past season.
If the Canadiens were to contend this upcoming season (they have all the tools to do so). They will need Allen to be a big part of their success. Backing up Allen will be either Samuel Montembeault or rookie, Cayden Primeau. Both of which do not have much NHL experience.
It is a make-or-break year for the Fredericton netminder. Allen is entering his final year of a two-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens. If Allen were to not be able to perform, or suffer major injuries, it is unlikely he would receive a new NHL contract next season. He would then join the likes of Braden Holtby and Tuukka Rask on a retirement trip or sign in another league.
Allen was once the starter of the St. Louis Blues, the team that drafted him in 2008. During the 2015-16 season, the goaltender put up his best statistics of his career, winning 26 games. Throughout the season, Allen had a.920 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against-average.
The Canadiens will look for a solid campaign from their starting goalie in the hopes of making a run back into a playoff spot.