Bad news on the transaction market for the Canadiens: the value of both goalies Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau is reportedly low

Kent Hughes is actively trying to trade a goaltender to end the goaltending trio, but has not succeeded yet. Despite reports of progress and strategic moves, the reality seems different.

Several good goaltenders at reasonable prices have passed through waivers in the past month without being claimed. On December 31st, both Eric Comrie and Ilya Samsonov went unclaimed on waivers.

However, the logic behind the salary cap and contract limit comes into play. Teams can have 50 players with NHL contracts and must adhere to the salary cap. Claiming a player off waivers costs nothing in assets but adds to the salary cap and contracts.

This might be the only logical reason teams are hesitant to pick up a goaltender on waivers. Otherwise, it suggests a very weak goaltending market. Let's hope for the Canadiens that it's the former.