In a significant move within the National Hockey League (NHL) circuit, young goaltender Cayden Primeau has found a new home with the Carolina Hurricanes, signing a one-year contract valued at $775,000. However, in a recent development, Primeau has been assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL), where he will now bolster the ranks of the Chicago Wolves, the Hurricanes' affiliate team.
Cayden Primeau's Contract Journey and Financial Standing
The contractual saga for the 25-year-old netminder has seen several twists in a short span. Primeau inked his $775,000 deal with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 2, 2025. This contract carries a cap hit of the same amount, $775,000 per season. His journey didn't stop there; he was briefly acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 6, 2025, only to be reclaimed off waivers by Carolina on November 8, 2025, and subsequently assigned to the AHL.
As of 2025, Cayden Primeau's career earnings are estimated to be around $5.3 million. His new contract extension is reported to be in the range of $770,000 to $1.1 million per year. A significant portion of his income also stems from various brand deals and endorsements, adding a substantial chunk to his overall net worth.
A Look at Primeau's NHL Career and Achievements
Cayden Primeau's path to professional hockey is a tale of steady ascent. He was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the seventh round (199th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. His talent became undeniable during his collegiate years, culminating in him winning the prestigious Mike Richter Award in 2019, honouring the top goalie in NCAA men's hockey.
He turned professional with the Canadiens, signing a three-year, $2.67 million contract as a restricted free agent on September 8, 2022. His time in Montreal saw mixed results; in the prior season, he recorded a 1-7-1 record with a 4.62 goals-against average and an .868 save percentage in 12 games. However, he excelled in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, posting an impressive 21-2-2 record with a 1.96 GAA and a .927 save percentage in 26 games during the 2024-25 season.
This performance led to a trade on June 30, 2025, where Montreal sent him to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 7th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
What This Means for the Chicago Wolves
The assignment of Cayden Primeau to the Chicago Wolves is a major boost for the AHL squad. The Wolves have been struggling to find consistent performance in the net, and Primeau's arrival brings a player with proven AHL success and valuable NHL experience. His agility and composure under pressure are expected to stabilise the team's defence and provide the much-needed support for a playoff push. His current contract with the Hurricanes is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, after which he will become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA).
For Indian hockey fans following the global NHL landscape, Primeau's story is one of resilience. From a late draft pick to a Richter Award winner and now a key figure for an AHL contender, his career trajectory remains one to watch as he aims to secure a permanent spot in the NHL.
