Charlie Lindgren

When Lindgren joined the Canadiens in 2016, he immediately became the heir-apparent to Carey Price. However, three years later, it's looking like he doesn't deserve the inheritance. While he's been good in short stints at the NHL level, Lindgren has not performed as well at AHL Laval. The 25-year-old has posted a sub-par 3.17 GAA and .885 save percentage over the last two seasons in the minors. The Rocket haven't been very good during that time, so there's definitely an element of that at play, but NHL-caliber goaltenders are generally able to overcome a poor supporting cast at the AHL level. If Lindgren continues to underwhelm at Laval, Cayden Primeau will likely jump him on the organizational depth chart.

Lindgren signed a three-year deal in February and at one point, profiled as Carey Price's backup in 2018. However, in a surprise twist, the Canadiens signed Antti Niemi to a one-year deal, delaying Lindgren's arrival. Niemi earned the right to back up Price by outplaying Lindgren, who was 4-8-2 along with a 3.03 goals-against average and .908 save percentage at the NHL level, and even worse for bottom-feeding AHL Laval. Lindgren started strong in Montreal, but injuries weakened the team around him. He'll start 2018-19 in the AHL; however, if Montreal's season goes the way many pundits think, Lindgren will be promoted to begin his stint as Price's backup.