Let’s face it: the Cayden Primeau experiment failed.
With the Maple Leafs, Primeau was given a golden opportunity to earn another NHL start after a career of ups and downs. He emerged as a top goaltender out of college and began to struggle in the NHL after a promising start with the Montreal Canadiens. Over the next few years, he was consistently sent down and called up again and again, consistently overachieving in the AHL and underperforming in the major leagues.
Unfortunately, Primeau didn’t exactly seize the moment. Through three games, the Michigan native finished with an .838 SV% and a 4.30 GAA. He achieved two wins, but only thanks to the attacking support his team provided for him. His last start against the Columbus Blue Jackets was particularly discouraging and looked forlorn as he gave up six goals on 24 shots.
So what’s next for the Maple Leafs and Primeau? Toronto took a low-risk chance by signing the former Husky, hoping he could find his minor league form in the NHL, but at the very least that he could be a reliable enough backup to Stolarz in Woll’s absence. Until now that has not been the case.
Whether or not Primeau gets another start or two with the Maple Leafs, it’s clear he’s on borrowed time with the team. Even if he comes in and has the game of his life in his next start, it’s hard to imagine him not being cleared off waivers once Woll returns. Considering there’s always a market for depth in the crease and his cheap one-year contract, it’s possible he makes that claim, though it’s hard to say at this point. If claimed, he is unlikely to fill an NHL role barring an injury with another team. Regardless, whether he ends up with the Marlies or another franchise, don’t expect to see Primeau in a Maple Leafs jersey much longer.
PRESENTED BY VIVID CHAIRS
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