by Justin Vézina | AHL On The Beat
Cayden Primeau has unquestionably began the calendar yr on a excessive be aware – and with a smile to match.
On Jan. 3, Primeau placed on his Laval Rocket jersey for the primary time since April 2023. Since returning, he has made 11 begins, successful the primary 10 of them. Only a single loss. His distinctive play even earned him the title of AHL Goaltender of the Month for January.
However the highway resulting in this second has not been with out its challenges for the 25-year-old goaltender.
“It wasn’t straightforward what he went by means of this yr,” shared Pascal Vincent, head coach of the Rocket.
Vincent was referring to Primeau’s return to the AHL after spending over a full season with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, the place he performed 11 video games this season.
“Past the opinions of others or the general public’s expectations, he had private expectations for himself,” Vincent added. “It hasn’t gone precisely as he hoped.”
It was simply earlier than Christmas when Primeau realized that he can be headed to Place Bell. On Jan. 1, upon his arrival, the American netminder wasted no time attending to work.
“I feel you really see somebody’s character after they face adversity,” Vincent mirrored. “And Cayden went by means of quite a bit at that time. He didn’t level fingers or criticize anybody. He merely stated, ‘I’m right here to play video games and do the most effective I can.’”
Vincent recalled his first impression of the goalie.
“He had a smile on his face and was able to work,” Vincent stated. That preliminary assembly left him with a transparent understanding of the form of particular person Primeau is.
“His angle has been exemplary. It’s even been contagious to his teammates.”
When Primeau joined the Rocket, the workforce had simply come off a December that fell in need of their normal requirements, ending with a report of 5-4-0-1. Regardless of this, the workforce remained within the hunt for the highest spot within the North Division. Primeau’s arrival injected new power into the workforce, and so they shortly discovered their rhythm once more.
Nevertheless, Primeau remained humble, refusing to take credit score for the turnaround.
“They’ve an excellent group right here, and so they’ve been constructing a incredible tradition,” Primeau stated. “That they had a powerful first half, and we’re simply attempting to construct on that. It’s been numerous enjoyable. The fellows have been nice, each on and off the ice. It’s been a blast.”
Since Primeau’s arrival, the workforce has climbed to the highest of the standings, additionally permitting the fewest objectives per recreation within the league – two stats that replicate the prevailing sense of enjoyment and success in Laval this season.
“Marco Marciano, our goalie coach, all the time maintains a optimistic angle,” Primeau stated. “It’s arduous to not really feel completely happy and optimistic round him. The setting right here is one thing particular. There’s not many days once you’re enjoying in Laval the place it’s a foul day.”
In his 11 video games with the Rocket, Primeau has a 2.23 goals-against common and a save share of .910. But, regardless of these spectacular numbers, Primeau stays pushed to enhance.
“The humorous factor is, I like how my recreation is trending, however each recreation I appear to seek out one thing else I wish to work on,” he stated. “There’s all the time room to get higher.”
Though Primeau is just not absolutely glad along with his efficiency, his coach is assured he’ll quickly have one other probability within the NHL.
“I’m satisfied he’s going to get one other shot there,” Vincent stated. “It’s only a matter of time.”
With performances like these, it’s arduous to think about every other consequence.
