Canadiens Wise to Retain Montembeault as Season Opener Approaches

With Jacob Fowler emerging as one of the organization’s premier prospects and Jakub Dobes appearing ready to assume the starting role, moving Samuel Montembeault initially seemed the logical course. Yet as summer progressed, the goaltending market shifted dramatically. Several teams that looked like natural trade partners for the Montreal Canadiens have already addressed their needs, leaving general manager Kent Hughes with fewer suitors than anticipated. Rather than forcing a deal, the prudent path may be simply keeping Montembeault on the roster to begin the campaign.

Teams Have Filled Their Need

Only weeks ago, multiple obvious destinations for Montembeault existed. Clubs seeking crease stability could have viewed the veteran as an affordable solution, particularly with just one season remaining on his contract.

Since then, much of that market has evaporated. The Edmonton Oilers, linked to nearly every available netminder, resolved their situation by acquiring Devon Levi via trade from Buffalo before signing Frederik Andersen in free agency. The Toronto Maple Leafs likewise addressed their goaltending by signing Sergei Bobrovsky, eliminating another potential landing spot.

Several other clubs have also solidified their goaltending depth, leaving significantly fewer teams in desperate need of a starter or experienced backup. That doesn’t mean a market for Montembeault has vanished entirely — injuries occur, and another team could still decide to upgrade before training camp or early in the season. But compared to the landscape just a fortnight ago, Hughes has far fewer options.

The Canadiens have demonstrated throughout this rebuild a willingness to wait for the right deal rather than accept a lesser return. If suitable offers aren’t forthcoming, there’s no justification for moving Montembeault merely to clear a roster spot.

Keeping Montembeault Makes Sense

If a trade at fair value isn’t available, why not retain him? Montembeault handled a difficult situation admirably down the stretch last season. After losing the starting job to Dobes and Fowler during Montreal’s impressive playoff push, he reportedly remained an exemplary teammate and continued supporting the young netminder. He also made clear his enjoyment of playing in Montreal and his willingness to remain with the organization.

There’s also no reason to accelerate Fowler’s timeline. The young goaltender possesses tremendous upside, but like most goalies, he still requires game action. Logging regular minutes with the Laval Rocket is far more beneficial than sitting on an NHL bench for extended stretches. Granting him another full season as Laval’s starter would allow continued refinement while facing meaningful competition nightly.

Meanwhile, Dobes appears ready for the opportunity to prove he can be Montreal’s number-one goaltender. His strong finish to last season and composure during the playoff race demonstrated he merits that chance. In this scenario, Montembeault slides into the backup role.

Every successful team requires reliable goaltending depth over an 82-game schedule. Injuries, fatigue, and inevitable stretches of inconsistent play affect every starter. Having an experienced veteran capable of stepping in for 25 to 35 games would provide valuable insurance while allowing Dobes to gradually adjust to the workload of an NHL starter. Montembeault need not reclaim the crease — he simply needs to be a dependable backup capable of delivering quality starts whenever called upon.

It’s All About Patience

The Canadiens have consistently preached patience throughout Hughes’ tenure, and this situation should be no different. Montembeault enters the final year of his contract, but that doesn’t necessarily diminish his value. In fact, his value could increase significantly during the season.

Each year, contenders lose goaltenders to injury or realize they need greater stability heading into the playoffs. The trade deadline often creates a far stronger seller’s market than the offseason, particularly for experienced netminders on expiring contracts.

If Montembeault performs well as Montreal’s backup, Hughes could find himself with far more interested clubs next March than he has today. Retaining him would also alleviate unnecessary pressure from both of the organization’s young goaltenders.

Fowler would continue developing properly in Laval instead of being rushed to the NHL before he’s fully ready. Dobes, meanwhile, wouldn’t be forced to immediately shoulder the workload of a true number-one goalie over a full NHL campaign.

That’s an important point that shouldn’t be overlooked. Dobes finished last season brilliantly, but he has never been an NHL starter for a full 82-game slate. Asking him to suddenly play 55 or 60 games without an experienced safety net would represent a significant gamble.

By keeping Montembeault, the Canadiens buy themselves flexibility. They maintain strong depth in net, allow their two young goaltenders to develop naturally, and potentially maximize Montembeault’s trade value later in the season. Sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make. For Hughes and the Canadiens, retaining Montembeault to start the season may prove the smartest decision of all.

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