Montreal Canadiens Make Key Roster Moves: Primeau and Kapanen Assigned to Laval Rocket
The Montreal Canadiens have announced strategic roster adjustments, reassigning goaltender Cayden Primeau and forward Oliver Kapanen to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. Additionally, the team has assigned goaltender Luke Cavallin to the Trois-Rivières Lions, their ECHL affiliate.
These reassignments come at a crucial time for the Laval Rocket, currently in the midst of their Calder Cup playoffs.
Cayden Primeau, 25, was previously recalled to the Canadiens to serve as a third goaltender during their series against the Washington Capitals. Primeau has had a dominant AHL season, boasting an impressive 21-2-2 record with a .927 save percentage, a 1.96 goals-against average (GAA), and two shutouts. His return to Laval provides the Rocket with a strong option in net, especially given the excellent recent performance of Jacob Fowler, who has backstopped the team to two wins, stopping 43 of 45 shots in his last two professional starts.
Meanwhile, Oliver Kapanen, the Canadiens’ 2021 second-round pick, has had a remarkably busy and global season. After recording one assist in 18 regular-season games with the Canadiens, he headed to the SHL in Sweden, where he notched 15 goals and 35 points in 36 games.
He then added three points in six SHL playoff games before returning to North America to appear in three games for the Canadiens against the Capitals, where he registered an assist. With his assignment to Laval, Kapanen has the rare opportunity to potentially play in the playoffs for teams in three different leagues within the same season.
These moves underscore the Canadiens’ commitment to developing their young talent and bolstering depth within their minor league affiliates as both teams potentially prepare for extended postseason runs.