by Justin Vézina | AHL On The Beat
Cayden Primeau has unquestionably began the calendar yr on a excessive word – 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 street 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 discovered that he could be headed to Place Bell. On Jan. 1, upon his arrival, the American netminder wasted no time attending to work.
“I feel you actually see somebody’s character once they face adversity,” Vincent mirrored. “And Cayden went by means of loads 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 perfect 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 sort of particular person Primeau is.
“His perspective has been exemplary. It’s even been contagious to his teammates.”
When Primeau joined the Rocket, the staff had simply come off a December that fell wanting their regular requirements, ending with a report of 5-4-0-1. Regardless of this, the staff remained within the hunt for the highest spot within the North Division. Primeau’s arrival injected new power into the staff, they usually shortly discovered their rhythm once more.
Nonetheless, Primeau remained humble, refusing to take credit score for the turnaround.
“They’ve an important group right here, they usually’ve been constructing a improbable tradition,” Primeau stated. “That they had a robust first half, and we’re simply making an attempt to construct on that. It’s been a whole lot of enjoyable. The fellows have been nice, each on and off the ice. It’s been a blast.”
Since Primeau’s arrival, the staff has climbed to the highest of the standings, additionally permitting the fewest targets per recreation within the league – two stats that mirror the prevailing sense of enjoyment and success in Laval this season.
“Marco Marciano, our goalie coach, at all times maintains a optimistic perspective,” Primeau stated. “It’s arduous to not really feel completely happy and optimistic round him. The atmosphere right here is one thing particular. There’s not many days once you’re taking part in in Laval the place it’s a nasty day.”
In his 11 video games with the Rocket, Primeau has a 2.23 goals-against common and a save proportion 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 at all times room to get higher.”
Though Primeau shouldn’t be totally glad together with his efficiency, his coach is assured he’ll quickly have one other likelihood 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 another consequence.
