Cayden Primeau

Last updated
Cayden Primeau
Cayden Primeau Northeastern University goalie.jpg
Primeau with the Northeastern Huskies in 2019
Born (1999-08-11) August 11, 1999 (age 25)
Farmington Hills, Michigan, U.S.
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position Goaltender
Catches Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team		 Montreal Canadiens
Laval Rocket  (AHL)
NHL draft 199th overall, 2017
Montreal Canadiens
Playing career 2019–present

Cayden Primeau (born August 11, 1999) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the seventh round, 199th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2017 NHL entry draft.

Contents

Playing career

Early years

As a youth, Primeau played with the Philadelphia Revolution of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) where he participated in the annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game [1] and won both Goaltender of the Year as well as Rookie of the Year honors during the course of the 2015–16 season. [2] Thereafter, he joined the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for a single season where he was named to the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January 2017, recording a shutout for the first time in the history of the showcase. [3] [4]

Collegiate

Primeau was stellar during his brief collegiate career with the Northeastern Huskies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). [5] In his freshman season, he posted 19 victories [5] and helped Northeastern jump from eighth to second in the Hockey East conference standings. While the team did not fare well in the postseason, Primeau was named to the All-Hockey East Rookie Team, First Team, and won the conference goaltending title for possessing the lowest goals against average (GAA). [6] The following season, he pushed the Huskies even further, winning a record 25 games for the program [5] and earned Tournament MVP honors whereas Northeastern won their third Hockey East distinction. [7] Despite faltering in the annual NCAA tournament, Primeau was still named an AHCA East First Team All-American and recipient of the Mike Richter Award presented to the best men's goaltender across NCAA Division I ice hockey. [8]

Professional

Selected by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the seventh round (199th overall) of the 2017 NHL entry draft, [9] Primeau ended his college career following his sophomore season and signed an entry-level contract with the Canadiens on March 31, 2019. [10] He was immediately assigned to Montreal's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket. [10] Primeau was recalled from Laval on December 5, 2019 [9] and made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche the same day, stopping 32 of 35 shots in a 3–2 loss. [11] Shortly thereafter, he registered his first career NHL win in a 3–2 overtime effort versus the Ottawa Senators on December 11. [12]

Playing primarily for Laval over the course of the 2021–22 and 2022–23 campaigns, [13] the Canadiens began the 2023–24 season with three goaltenders on their active roster: Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault, and Primeau, with the latter no longer exempt from waivers and thus unable to be reassigned to the AHL ranks without the possibility of being lost to another team. This precipitated discussions about one of the foregoing netminders being traded. [14] After months of a continuous rotation system, Allen was ultimately dealt to the New Jersey Devils on March 8, 2024, [15] allowing Primeau to assume the role as the Canadiens' primary back-up goaltender. [16] Just days later, Primeau would record his second career NHL shutout in a 3–0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Bell Centre on March 12. [13] With 41 total saves, he would tie Tony Esposito for the franchise record of most saves by a rookie goaltender without allowing a goal established over half a century prior, [17] and was subsequently recognized as the monthly recipient of the Canadiens' Molson Cup award. [18] Collectively, Primeau finished the 2023–24 season with an 8-9-4 record with both a 2.99 GAA and a .910 save percentage respectively. [19]

Struggling profusely to begin the 2024–25 season, [20] [21] Primeau would be placed on waivers by the Canadiens following the annual holiday roster freeze. [22] After going unclaimed, he rejoined Laval in late December. [23] On January 3, 2025, Primeau posted 27 saves in a 2–1 overtime win versus the Abbotsford Canucks, his first AHL game in almost two years. [24]

International play

Medal record
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Men's ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2019 Canada
World U18 Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2017 Slovakia
World Junior A Challenge
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 Canada
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2016 Slovakia/Czech Republic

Internationally, Primeau first represented Team USA at the 2015 Five Nations Cup held in Switzerland, [25] splitting time in the decisive championship win over Germany. [26]

At the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, [27] Primeau posted a 2.94 GAA and .854 save percentage in a silver medal effort. [28] He then participated in the annual World Junior A Challenge where he went 3-1 en route to a gold medal victory, and was subsequently named to the tournament's All-Star Team. [29]

The following year, Primeau was named to the United States national under-18 team for the World U18 Championships, [30] winning a gold medal for his country despite not seeing any tournament play. [31]

As part of the United States national junior team at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Primeau made five tournament starts towards a silver medal podium finish. [32] He likewise was named to the United States men's national team for that year's IIHF World Championship, [33] but ultimately did not appear in any games throughout. [34]

Personal life

He is the son of former NHL centerman Keith Primeau, and was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan prior to the family moving to Voorhees, New Jersey when Cayden was five months old following his father's trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, in January 2000. [35]

Primeau is an alumnus of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. [36]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGPWLOTMINGA SO GAA SV% GPWLMINGASOGAASV%
2015–16 Philadelphia Revolution EHL 2916501,2243801.86.9514—————3.62.910
2016–17 Lincoln Stars USHL 30141111,6168513.16.895————————
2017–18 Northeastern University HE 3419852,0056441.92.931————————
2018–19 Northeastern UniversityHE36251012,1297442.09.933————————
2019–20 Laval Rocket AHL 33171131,8877742.45.908————————
2019–20 Montreal Canadiens NHL 2110120502.52.931————————
2020–21 Laval RocketAHL1611409143222.10.909————————
2020–21 Montreal CanadiensNHL41212021404.16.849————————
2021–22 Laval RocketAHL33161231,9159422.94.90914959123302.17.936
2021–22 Montreal CanadiensNHL121715204004.62.868————————
2022–23 Laval RocketAHL41191562,40912233.04.909202119502.52.912
2022–23 Montreal CanadiensNHL3020139803.46.852————————
2023–24 Montreal CanadiensNHL2389413256622.99.910————————
NHL totals44112162,30413323.46.894————————

International

YearTeamEventResultGPWLOTMINGASOGAASV%
2016 United States IH18 Silver medal icon.svg43102441202.94.854
2016United States WJAC Gold medal icon.svg4310239320.75.966
2019 United States WJC Silver medal icon.svg5410299801.61.936
Junior totals1310307822321.76.923

Awards and honors

AwardYearRef
EHL
CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game 2016 [1]
Rookie of the Year2016 [2]
Goaltender of the Year2016 [2]
USHL
USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game2017 [4]
College
Hockey East All-Rookie Team 2018 [6]
Hockey East Goaltending Champion 2018, 2019 [37]
New England D1 All-Stars2018 [38]
New England Rookie of the Year (co-winner)2018 [39]
All-Hockey East First Team 2018, 2019 [40] [41]
AHCA East First Team All-American 2019 [42]
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2019 [43]
Hockey East Three-Stars Award 2019 [44]
Mike Richter Award 2019 [45]
William Flynn Tournament Most Valuable Player 2019 [46]
AHL
All-Rookie Team 2020 [47]
All-Star Game 2021 [48]

Related Research Articles

Keith David Primeau is a Canadian businessman and ice hockey coach. He is a former professional ice hockey centre who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carey Price</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Carey Price is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the best goaltenders in the world during his career, Price is the winningest goaltender in Canadiens history as of the 2023–24 season, with 361 career wins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Armia</span> Finnish ice hockey player (born 1993)

Joel Armia is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2011 NHL entry draft. Armia has also previously played professionally for Porin Ässät of the SM-liiga as well as the Winnipeg Jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Allen (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Jake Allen is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 34th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2008 NHL entry draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019. Allen has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Kinkaid</span> American ice hockey player (born 1989)

Keith Patrick Kinkaid is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL while under contract to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Originally undrafted by teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), Kinkaid has previously played for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thatcher Demko</span> American ice hockey player (born 1995)

Thatcher Douglas Demko is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Demko was selected by the Canucks in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Condon (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player

Michael Johnston Condon is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who currently serves as a volunteer assistant goalie coach at Northeastern. Originally undrafted by teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), Condon has previously played for the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casey DeSmith</span> American ice hockey player (born 1991)

Casey DeSmith is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He holds the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins record for most saves in a playoff game. DeSmith was named to the AHL's 2016–17 All-Rookie Team and was a co-recipient of the 2017 Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Montembeault</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1996)

Samuel Montembeault is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 77th overall, by the Florida Panthers in the 2015 NHL entry draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cole Caufield</span> American ice hockey player (born 2001)

Cole Caufield is an American professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL entry draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kasimir Kaskisuo</span> Finnish ice hockey player

Kasimir Kaskisuo is a Finnish ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. He has previously played for Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Emil Heineman is a Swedish professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Florida Panthers in the 2020 NHL entry draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devon Levi</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 2001)

Devon Levi is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logan Mailloux</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 2003)

Logan Mailloux is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 31st overall, by the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL entry draft under controversial circumstances.

Strauss Mann is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Augsburger Panther of the German Hockey League (DEL). He previously played for Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), the Laval Rocket and San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL), and collegiately at the University of Michigan.

Michael McNiven is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Originally undrafted by teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), McNiven played seven seasons of professional ice hockey between 2018–2024, mostly in the Montreal Canadiens organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Harris (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player (born 2000)

Jordan Harris is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 71st overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jakub Dobeš</span> Czech ice hockey player

Jakub Dobeš is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fifth round, 136th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2020 NHL entry draft.

Owen Beck is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 33rd overall, by the Canadiens in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

Jayden Struble is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 46th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL entry draft.

References

  1. 1 2 Dyer, Dave (September 21, 2016). "NHL Legends to Watch Sons at CCM Prospects Game". USA Hockey. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "All-Time EHL Records". Eastern Hockey League. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  3. ↑ "More Than 195 Alumni on NHL Opening Night Rosters". United States Hockey League. October 8, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "West Claims USHL Prospects Game". CollegeHockeyInc.com. January 11, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 "Cayden Primeau". Northeastern Huskies. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Hockey East Names 2017–18 Pro Ambitions All-Rookie Team" (Press release). Hockey East. March 14, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  7. ↑ Connolly, John (March 23, 2019). "Northeastern starts fast, holds off Boston College for Hockey East championship". Boston Herald . Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  8. ↑ Cowan, Stu (April 12, 2019). "Canadiens prospect Cayden Primeau wins Mike Richter Award". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Habs G Primeau to make NHL debut vs. Avs". TSN.ca. December 5, 2019. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Canadiens sign goaltender Cayden Primeau to entry-level contract". Sportsnet.ca . March 31, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Landeskog scores in return, Avalanche beat Canadiens 3-2". ESPN.com. December 5, 2019. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  12. ↑ Cudzinowski, Matt (December 12, 2019). "OTT@MTL: About Wednesday night..." Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved December 27, 2024– via NHL.com.
  13. 1 2 Engels, Eric (March 13, 2024). "Primeau's shutout 'just the beginning' of larger role with Canadiens". Sportsnet.ca . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  14. ↑ Galanopoulos, Chris (November 20, 2023). "How Long Will the Montreal Canadiens Keep Three Goalies?". The Hockey News . Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Jake Allen traded to New Jersey for a conditional third-round pick in 2025". Montreal Canadiens. March 8, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024– via NHL.com.
  16. ↑ Kelly, Brendan (March 14, 2024). "What the Puck: Allen's exit puts spotlight on Montembeault and Primeau". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  17. ↑ @hockey_ref (March 13, 2024). "On Tuesday, Cayden Primeau tied the CanadiensMTL rookie record for most saves without allowing a goal.

    #NHL | #GoHabsGo"     (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  18. ↑ "Cayden Primeau earns Molson Cup honor for March". Montreal Canadiens. April 1, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024– via NHL.com.
  19. ↑ Hains, Karine (August 31, 2024). "Canadiens: What to Expect From Cayden Primeau". The Hockey News . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  20. ↑ Cohen, Russ (December 20, 2024). "Cayden Primeau's NHL Struggles". The Hockey News . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  21. ↑ Duffett, Nate (December 26, 2024). "Cayden Primeau Canadiens 2024 Year-in-Review". FanSided . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  22. ↑ Labbé, Richard (December 27, 2024). "Jakub Dobes rappelé, Cayden Primeau au ballottage" [Jakub Dobes recalled, Cayden Primeau on waivers]. La Presse (in French). Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  23. ↑ "Cayden Primeau loaned to Laval Rocket". Montreal Canadiens. December 29, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2024– via NHL.com.
  24. ↑ Vézina, Justin (January 6, 2025). "Primeau picks up where he left off in Laval". Laval Rocket. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  25. ↑ Dilks, Chris (July 13, 2015). "USA Hockey Announces U17 Five Nations Roster". SB Nation . Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  26. ↑ "U.S. Earns U17 Five Nations Title With 8-1 Win Over Germany". USA Hockey. August 16, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  27. ↑ Ravin, Neil (July 2, 2016). "EHL Goalie of the Year Named to Hlinka Tournament Team". Eastern Hockey League. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Team USA Edged By Czech Republic, 4-3, in Hlinka Finals". USA Hockey. August 13, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Team USA Wins World Junior A Challenge". USA Hockey. December 17, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Goaltender Primeau Joins U18s Roster". USA Hockey. April 8, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Cayden Primeau". USA Hockey. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Madden, Primeau and Keefe earn silver medal at World Junior Championships". Northeastern Huskies. January 6, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  33. ↑ Scifo, Dan (May 5, 2019). "After Standout World Juniors Performance, Goalie Cayden Primeau Earns World Championship Spot". USA Hockey. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  34. ↑ Godin, Marc Antoine (May 25, 2019). "Unlike the rest of Team USA, Cayden Primeau left Slovakia a winner". The Athletic . Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  35. ↑ Ashmore, Mike (November 17, 2021). "Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau, son of former Flyers great, dazzles MSG crowd despite defeat". The Trentonian . Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  36. ↑ Isaac, Dave (December 6, 2019). "From 199 to the NHL: Voorhees' Cayden Primeau makes debut for Montreal Canadiens". Courier-Post . Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  37. ↑ "Hockey East Names Goaltending Champions". Hockey East. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  38. ↑ "Awards - NCAA (New England) D1 All-Stars Team". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  39. ↑ "Makar Tabbed Co-Rookie Of The Year By New England Hockey Writers Association". UMass Athletics. March 28, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  40. ↑ "Hockey East Names 2017–18 All-Star Teams" (Press release). Hockey East. March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Hockey East Names 2018–19 All-Star Teams". Hockey East. March 20, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  42. ↑ "Total of 19 schools boast players on 2018-19 All-American selections". US College Hockey Organization. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Awards - NCAA (Hockey East) All-Tournament Team Team". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  44. ↑ "PNC Bank Three Stars Award". Hockey East. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  45. ↑ Weston, Paula C. (April 12, 2019). "Mike Richter Award recipient Primeau glad he won over dad on playing goalie". US College Hockey Organization. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  46. ↑ "Sports shorts: Northeastern claims Hockey East title". Portsmouth Herald . March 23, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  47. ↑ "2019-20 AHL All-Rookie Team". TheAHL.com. May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  48. ↑ "2020-21 AHL All-Star Teams unveiled". TheAHL.com. May 26, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Hockey East Goaltending Champion
2017–18, 2018–19 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Hockey East Three-Stars Award
2018–19 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Mike Richter Award
2018–19 		Succeeded by
Preceded by William Flynn Tournament MVP
2019 		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.