Maple Leafs Turning to Cayden Primeau as Starter Against Nashville

Cayden Primeau has struggled throughout his NHL career, having been limited to just 55 NHL games in largely a relief role, Primeau is finally given a new life after six seasons in Montreal with rivals Toronto.

Being claimed off waivers just before the season had started, Primeau is still working on being acclimated to Toronto and connecting with his new teammates, but will have to be a quick learner to give Stolarz some relief.

After backing up Anthony Stolarz, Primeau will make his first appearance for Toronto, hoping to prove he can stick as the Leafs backup while Joseph Woll is away, and perhaps even create some fight to send him down when Woll returns.

Nashville will provide a strong test for Primeau, a team the 26-year-old has never faced before, but will give him the opportunity to at least prove some doubts wrong about his ability to be an NHL goaltender, not just for the fans, but for the same of his career as well.

With Joseph Woll out for an unknown, extended period of time, the work is on Cayden Primeau to prove himself as the Leafs backup, and erase some old scars.

Primeau struggled last season with the Montreal Canadiens, having a league worst .836SV% in 11 games played, along with a lowly 4.70GAA, making him a player looking for an NHL bounceback.

The AHL showed a stronger side of Primeau who with Laval finished third with a .927SV behind Matt Murray and Matt Murray (no relation) and had a sensational 21-2-3 record. Primeau may have struggled in Montreal, but Toronto clearly sees growth and what he did in the AHL signifies that potential.

If Primeau struggles, rookie Dennis Hildeby will be in the waiting. Hildeby had shown some strong composure in the preseason, but needs to prove himself with the Marlies first. Toronto doesn't want to rush Hildeby, but Primeau struggling may leave them no choice, and it's up to Primeau to prove the Leafs otherwise.

The Nashville Predators are off to a surprise 2-0-1 start, having been written off for an aging core that had underperformed after splashing the cash in the offseason. 2025 5th overall pick Brady Martin will likely slot back on the first line after being a healthy scratch vs Ottawa.

The game against Nashville, handing the team their first loss, could go a big way in proving Primeau's worth, and showcasing that their eyebrow raising waiver claim is much better than some would have thought.