The Laval Rocket may be 2-0 up in its division semi-final series against the Cleveland Monsters, but the Montreal Canadiens’ elimination by the Washington Capitals means that the big club could now send some reinforcements to its farm team.
Fowler Blanks Monsters, Rocket Takes 2-0 Lead
Canadiens: Laine Had A Successful Year
Five Canadiens’ Prospects In The Hockey News Future Watch Top 100 Prospects
On Saturday morning, the Habs assigned goaltender Cayden Primeau and center Oliver Kapanen to Laval. The move isn’t surprising since Primeau spent the entire second half of the season in the AHL after struggling mightily in the NHL from October to December. By the time he was sent down, his goals-against average had reached 4.70 and his save percentage was down to .836.
The Canadiens were forced to call up Primeau in the playoffs when goaltender Samuel Montembeau tore two muscles in his groin. Montreal needed someone to backup Jakub Dobes. Newly signed goaltender Jacob Fowler was ineligible since he only has an amateur tryout contract with the Rocket to finish this season, and his ELC kicks off at the start of next season.
Primeau saw no action against the Capitals, with Dobes getting the nod for every game. In the second half of his season in the AHL, the former seventh-round pick's stats were much better, with a 1.96 GAA and a .927 SP. Even though Fowler has won the first two games of the Rockets' series against the Monsters, it’s likely Primeau will be getting the top job back.
Cayden Primeau to Florian Xhekaj, into the middle for one-five, and it is a hat trick for Sean Farrell before the midway point of the game!
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) February 8, 2025
4-2 Laval. pic.twitter.com/t4zkFN8QK3
As for Kapanen, he has never played with the Rocket. The young center made the Canadiens out of camp, but after 18 games in the NHL, in which he picked up two points, the games looked to be a bit too fast for the youngsters. He was loaned back to Timra IK in the Swedish hockey league for the rest of the season. In 36 regular-season games, he picked up 35 points and added three points in six playoff games.
Kapanen could prove very useful to the Rocket. He played the top-six minutes in Sweden while also being used on the power play and the penalty kill. Pascal Vincent’s team did very well in the regular season, but having depth in the playoffs is always a plus.
The third game of the division semi-final will take place on Sunday at 3:00 PM in Laval. A win would send the Canadiens’ farm team to the division final.
Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.