Budaj will start in the crease Friday against the Rangers, Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times reports. "He (Budaj) really gives his team the chance to win every night. That's really what we're looking for from him tonight," said goalie coach Bill Ranford.

EDGE Analysis

Budaj joined the Kings on Thursday as an emergency recall, and the indication that he'll start Friday suggests Jonathan Quick's lower-body injury is still causing him issues. The veteran netminder has a past as a starting goaltender in the mid-2000s with the Avalanche, and a spectacular showing with AHL Ontario this season (26-9-3 record with a 1.58 GAA and .935 save percentage) has finally earned him a chance back in the NHL for the first time since 2013-14. However, his stint with the club may not last long, as the 33-year-old netminder will likely be the odd man out when Quick returns. In his start Friday, Budaj will need to prepare for a Red Wings club that's averaged 3.00 goals per game thus far in February.

Budaj was recalled by the Kings on emergency conditions Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Budaj's recall comes on the back of news that Jonathan Quick is day-to-day with a lower-body issue. A former top netminder with the Avalanche, the 33-year-old has certainly earned his chance with the Kings, posting a spectacular 1.58 GAA and .935 save percentage (including eight shutouts) with the team's AHL Ontario affiliate. However, his stay with the parent club may be short, and his main role would likely be serving as the backup netminder to Jhonas Enroth until Quick returns.

Budaj cleared waivers Saturday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Budaj will now head to AHL Ontario where he will provide the Kings with organizational depth at goaltender for the 2015-16 campaign. The 33-year-old netminder struggled with AHL St. John's last season, submitting a 0-9-6 record with a 3.55 GAA and .888 save percentage.

Budaj signed a one-year contract with the Kings on Friday, Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Budaj will head to AHL Ontario for the 2015-16 campaign. The 33-year-old largely struggled with AHL St. John's last season, posting a 0-9-6 record with a 3.55 GAA and .8888 save percentage.

Budaj was placed on waivers Friday, James MIrtle of The Globe and Mail reports.

EDGE Analysis

Budaj will be eligible to be claimed by another franchise, but he passes through waivers unclaimed, he'll either rejoin the NHL roster or be assigned to the AHL.

The Jets placed Budaj on waivers Monday, Sara Orlesky of TSN reports. Budaj was just acquired from the Canadiens on Sunday, and was expected to earn a roster spot for opening day. He'll head to AHL St. John's if he clears waivers, and it appears as though the Jets will start with Andrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson as their goaltending tandem.

Budaj was traded to the Jets on Sunday along with Patrick Holland in exchage for Eric Tangradi, Dave Stubbs of The Gazette reports. Budaj was set to be the backup behind Carey Price this season, but it appears that job will fall to Dustin Tokarski instead. The 32-year-old will now head to the Jets, where he is expected to back up Odrej Pavelec.

Budaj allowed four goals on 26 shots in Friday night's 4-3 preseason loss to the Senators in overtime. Three of the Sens' four goals came on the power play and the even-strength one was a bad one. As the preseason comes to close, Budaj is still battling to hold on to the backup job he's held the previous three seasons. Dustin Tokarski remains in the mix to be Carey Price's backup.

Coach Michel Therrien said Budaj will start Friday's preseason game against the Senators. The Habs will presumably save Carey Price for the exhibition finale the next day against Ottawa, in what amounts to a dress rehearsal for the start of the regular season. The Canadiens still haven't determined whether or not Budaj or Dustin Tokarski will serve as the No. 2 netminder this season, but the performance of both players Friday night will surely impact Therrien's decision. Regardless of which goalie emerges as the victor of the job battle, Price will likely see one of the heaviest workloads in the league, limiting the chances of the backup to make a notable fantasy impact.

Carey Price had some very nice things to say about Montreal back up goalie Peter Budaj Saturday as the Canadiens cleaned out their lockers at their training facility. Price told reporters that Budaj's attitude and support during the playoffs was exceptional. "Peter is one of the genuinely nicest human beings I've ever met," Price said. "He's an unbelievable back-up. He's a really good friend of mine. He's one of the best friends I have on this team. He showed a lot of character. He never hung his head. He never pouted. And he showed the utmost support for everybody including Dustin [Tolarski]. It takes a special person to do that." That's all nice, but it doesn't mean he will be back in Montreal next season despite having a year left on his current contract.