Change is in the air for the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltending depth chart, and the hockey world is buzzing with speculation. As rumors swirl and familiar names face uncertain futures, a new and unexpected contender is capturing attention within the organization. The Canadiens, long known for their rich goaltending history, may be on the verge of a significant shakeup—one that could impact not only the NHL roster, but also the crucial development pipeline in Laval.

While many eyes have been fixed on the fate of Cayden Primeau and the next generation of Habs netminders, another storyline is quietly unfolding. A rising star, fresh off a championship run and dazzling playoff performance, is making a compelling case for a bigger role. His emergence is creating ripples from Trois-Rivières to Montreal, and he could soon find himself thrust into the spotlight as the next backup for the Laval Rocket.

As the offseason drama intensifies, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: Who will step up between the pipes for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate? And could this new face eventually challenge for NHL ice time? One thing is certain—the race for the crease in Montreal has never been more unpredictable, or more exciting.

Dec 12, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau (30) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

More and more, we’re hearing that changes are coming in net within the Montreal Canadiens organization.

Maxime Truman even briefly mentioned it in a recent article.

That said, the focus here is more specifically on what could happen with the Laval Rocket, because all signs point to the possibility of having two new goaltenders (compared to last fall).

A New Fourth Goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens?

Absolutely no one saw it coming, but a rumor suggests that Luke Cavallin could indeed become the new fourth goaltender in the Canadiens organization, and the new backup goalie for the Laval Rocket (behind Jacob Fowler).

Luke Cavallin: potential backup to Jacob Fowler with the Rocket next season.

It would be quite a story, but he would have absolutely earned it.

As you likely know, the Trois-Rivières Lions won the Kelly Cup, the ECHL championship, and it was largely thanks to Cavallin’s performances.

Clearly, he’s now too good for the ECHL and is fully ready for the AHL.

“Luke Cavallin had an absolutely exceptional playoff run with the Lions. Will he be considered for the backup role to Jacob Fowler next season in Laval? He definitely deserves a spot in the AHL with his ECHL success.”

Anthony Marcotte

This will be a surprisingly interesting storyline to follow this summer.

Who will be the other goaltender in Laval, assuming Jacob Fowler locks down one of the two spots?

All signs point to Cayden Primeau not returning, and if that’s confirmed, be sure to keep Cavallin’s name in mind for Laval.

If his development continues at this pace, could he eventually become an NHL option?

One thing’s for sure-his growth curve right now is absolutely astonishing.