Canadiens' Goaltending Future in Flux
The Montreal Canadiens appear poised to move goaltender Samuel Montembeault, with multiple reports indicating strong interest from across the NHL. This situation arises as Jakub Dobes has solidified his position as the team's undisputed starting goaltender, relegating Montembeault to a secondary role. Montembeault himself acknowledges the impending shift, stating, "There will be interest from all corners of the NHL."
This potential transaction comes as the Canadiens face a crowded goaltending situation. With Dobes firmly entrenched as the number one and the promising emergence of Jacob Fowler into professional hockey, the team is likely looking to streamline its goaltending depth. Montembeault, who has one year remaining on his contract with a $3.15 million cap hit, is seen as a logical trade candidate to resolve this congestion.
Montembeault's Perceived Value
Despite a statistically challenging past season, where he posted a .872 save percentage in 25 starts, some observers argue Montembeault's value is being underestimated. His resilience in facing high shot volumes and playing behind a sometimes porous defense highlights his capabilities.
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"Montembeault has more value than you think. The Canadiens will not start next season with a three-man situation in goal." - Journal de Québec
Several factors are cited as potentially bolstering his trade value:
Age and Experience: At 29, Montembeault is entering an age range where NHL goalies historically perform at their peak. His experience in the league is also a valuable asset.
League Trends: The NHL's increasing reliance on goaltender tandems could benefit Montembeault, appealing to teams seeking a solid backup or a starter to share duties.
Market Conditions: The scarcity of quality goaltenders in the league generally increases the market value for experienced netminders.
Background: A Season of Transition
Montembeault's past season was marked by a significant downturn, leading to his reassignment to the Laval Rocket for a conditioning stint. He reportedly struggled with expectations and the implications of roster decisions, including the recall of Jacob Fowler which momentarily placed him as the third-string goalie.
"There is a lot to learn from this. He learned, rather, from his general manager's mouth that the organization had just recalled Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket, which relegated him to the status of third goaltender until further notice." - La Presse
Following his return to the NHL from December to early February, Montembeault showed flashes of his previous form, posting a 5-2-1 record. However, the overall narrative of his season concluded with him losing his starting job and his future with the team in doubt. Montembeault himself acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, "I have one year left on my contract, these decisions are not mine to make."
