Montreal, Canada — As NHL teams trim their rosters ahead of the regular season, two former Montreal Canadiens have landed on the waiver wire: goaltender Cayden Primeau and forward Michael Pezzetta. Both players, now with new organizations, were unable to secure spots after training camp and preseason evaluations.
Earlier today, the Canadiens themselves announced a series of roster moves, including placing forward Samuel Blais and goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers. But it’s the fate of Primeau and Pezzetta that has drawn particular attention among fans and analysts.
Primeau and Pezzetta: From Habs to Waivers
According to DansLesCoulisses, Primeau and Pezzetta failed to impress during camp with their respective teams. Primeau, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, finds himself on waivers despite a standout season last year in the AHL, where he set a wins record. His demotion comes on the same day Carolina claimed 25-year-old goaltender Brandon Bussi from Florida, a move that surprised many observers.
Pezzetta, meanwhile, joined the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason but couldn’t lock down the role he had envisioned. Known for his energy and physicality, Pezzetta has long been praised for his team-first mentality. However, his two-year contract may complicate potential claims from other clubs seeking depth on the wing.
Waiver Market Uncertainty
Both players now await their fate on the waiver wire. Primeau’s situation underscores the razor-thin margin for young goaltenders trying to break into the NHL full-time. Despite his AHL success, roster depth and timing have worked against him. Pezzetta may appeal to teams looking for grit and locker room presence, but financial considerations could be a hurdle.
As one analyst from RDS noted, “Cayden Primeau and Michael Pezzetta have not managed to carve out a place for themselves within their new team.” The coming hours will reveal whether another franchise sees value in giving either player a fresh opportunity.