Leaked waiver news during NHL roster freeze!

Earlier on Friday, the Montreal Canadiens recalled goalie Jakub Dobes from the Laval Rocket as he traveled with the team down to Florida for the game against the Panthers on Saturday. He is expected to help out Samuel Montembeault in the back to back matinees this weekend.

That’s because the Habs lost confidence in netminder Cayden Primeau, who is expected to be sent down to Laval once he clears waivers. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie posted on Friday that Primeau is expected to be placed on waivers on Saturday once the NHL roster freeze is lifted. The NHL roster freeze will be over at12:01 AM tomorrow, when trading activities can resume.

Moments later, head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed to Sportsnet's Eric Engel that Primeau would indeed hit the waivers tomorrow. 

He also confirmed that Dobes will make his NHL debut against the Panthers.

Right before the three-day break, Montembeault was used for both games against the Detroit Red Wings, which was a clear sign that the Habs did not want to turn to Primeau.

Selected 199th overall in 2017, Primeau looked to be a solid option going into this season after posting a .910 save percentage through 23 appearances last year. However, he’s struggled this season and hasn’t started one since his Dec. 1st 6-3 loss against the Boston Bruins. He’s posted a 4.70 goals-against average and a .836 save percentage, placing him dead last in the league in both categories.

As of today, Dobes has yet to make his NHL debut though it will be a different story tomorrow. He holds a 9-3-1 record, 2.44 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 14 games with Laval this season.

Montreal currently has a 14-17-3 record good for sixth in the Atlantic and returns to action Saturday against the division-leading Panthers tomorrow.