In a season already full of twists and turns, the NHL world was rocked by a move that nobody saw coming. Just when fans were beginning to adjust to the sight of Cayden Primeau donning a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey—a former Montreal Canadiens prospect making his way in enemy territory—news broke that sent shockwaves through both fanbases and left hockey insiders scrambling for answers. Primeau, once hailed as one of Montreal’s most promising young goaltenders, has now been placed on waivers by the Leafs, thrusting his career into sudden uncertainty and igniting a flurry of speculation across the league.

For those who have followed Primeau’s journey, this latest development is both surprising and, in some ways, sadly familiar. After all, the young netminder’s career has been a rollercoaster of high expectations, flashes of brilliance, and moments of struggle. From his early days with the Laval Rocket, where he posted numbers that turned heads league-wide, to his more recent challenges in the NHL, Primeau’s story is one of potential that always seems just out of reach. Even this season, after a promising start in Toronto that included two wins in three starts, the numbers tell a more complicated tale—a goals-against average that ballooned to 4.30 and a save percentage that dipped well below the league average.

Yet, behind the cold statistics and the transactional headlines, there’s a much deeper narrative at play. What really happened in Toronto to prompt such a rapid decision? Was Primeau simply a victim of circumstance, caught in the crossfire of a team desperate for stability in net? Or does this move signal something more troubling about his development and future in the NHL?

Insiders like Chris Johnston and Renaud Lavoie were quick to report the news, but even they seemed caught off guard by the suddenness of the Leafs’ decision. After all, Primeau’s time in Montreal was marked by patience and investment—years spent honing his craft in the AHL, culminating in a standout season with the Rocket that suggested he was ready for the big stage. But the jump to the NHL can be unforgiving, and for goaltenders especially, consistency is the ultimate currency. Primeau’s flashes of talent were undeniable, but so too were the lapses that left coaches and fans alike wondering if he could ever truly seize the starting role.

Now, as Primeau waits to see if another team will take a chance on him, the hockey world is left with more questions than answers. Is this the end of the road for a once-promising prospect, or merely the latest chapter in a career that’s far from over? Can Primeau rediscover the form that made him a star in Laval, or will he be forced to reinvent himself yet again in a new city, with new teammates, and new expectations?

One thing is certain: the story of Cayden Primeau is far from finished. And as the league waits to see where he’ll land next, the only guarantee is that there’s much more to come.

Former Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau

Photo credit: NHL

Cayden Primeau is once again at the center of NHL news, as he has been placed on waivers.

Bad news for the former Hab!

This move surprised many, especially considering that the goaltender had just joined the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this season.

I think Primeau has shown flashes of talent at times, but also some struggles…which likely explains his current waivers situation.

Even though he has won two of his three starts this season with the Leafs, Primeau has posted some very difficult stats, with a goals-against average of 4.30 and a save percentage of .832.

It was Renaud Lavoie who broke the news:

“The Leafs have placed Cayden Primeau on waivers.”

– Chris Johnston

Cayden Primeau Toronto Maple Leafs Montreal Canadiens

Let’s remember that he was developed by the Montreal Canadiens, with a notable stint with the Laval Rocket.

Primeau excelled last season with the Rocket, recording a stellar 21-2-3 mark along with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage, continuing his trend of strong numbers throughout his AHL career.

In my opinion, his potential remains interesting, but consistency makes all the difference for goaltenders in the NHL.

It will now be interesting to see if another team decides to claim him.

Personally, I believe he can still find his place in the league – as long as he gets the right opportunity.

More details to follow.