Jake Allen, a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, began his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. Born on August 7, 1990, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Allen's journey to the NHL started in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the St. John's Fog Devils, which later became the Montreal Juniors. His performance in the QMJHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the St. Louis Blues in the second round, 34th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Allen's professional career officially commenced in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Peoria Rivermen, the Blues' affiliate team. His time in the AHL was marked by steady development, and he was eventually called up to the NHL during the 2012-2013 season. Allen made his NHL debut on February 5, 2013, against the Nashville Predators, securing his first win in a shootout. His initial performances were promising, and he quickly became a reliable option for the Blues.
Throughout his tenure with the St. Louis Blues, Allen shared goaltending duties with several other netminders, including Brian Elliott and later, Jordan Binnington. The 2014-2015 season was a breakthrough year for Allen, as he played in 37 games and recorded a 22-7-4 record. His efforts helped the Blues secure a playoff spot, and he continued to be a vital part of the team's goaltending tandem in the following seasons.
One of the highlights of Allen's career came during the 2016-2017 NHL season. He played a crucial role in the Blues' playoff run, particularly in the first-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Allen's exceptional goaltending was instrumental in the Blues' victory, as he posted a .956 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average in the series. His performance earned him widespread recognition and solidified his reputation as a dependable goaltender in high-pressure situations.
In 2019, Allen was part of the Blues' roster that captured the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup. Although Jordan Binnington was the primary goaltender during the playoffs, Allen's contributions throughout the regular season were vital in helping the team reach the postseason. His experience and leadership were invaluable assets to the Blues during their championship run.
Following the Stanley Cup victory, Allen continued to serve as a reliable backup and mentor to Binnington. However, with the emergence of Binnington as the team's starting goaltender, Allen's role with the Blues began to shift. In September 2020, Allen was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, marking a new chapter in his career.
With the Canadiens, Allen provided stability and depth to the team's goaltending lineup. During the 2020-2021 season, he played a significant role in supporting Carey Price, especially when Price was sidelined due to injuries. Allen's presence was crucial in helping the Canadiens secure a playoff berth, and he continued to be a steady presence in the net during the regular season.
Allen's tenure with the Canadiens showcased his ability to adapt and perform in different team environments. His experience and skillset were valuable assets to the Canadiens, particularly during challenging stretches of the season. As a veteran goaltender, Allen's influence extended beyond his on-ice performance, as he provided mentorship to younger players and contributed to the team's overall dynamic.
Throughout his career, Jake Allen demonstrated consistency and reliability as a goaltender.
🏒