Sam Montembeault's shaky performance this season has put Canadiens' General Manager Kent Hughes in a difficult position, increasing speculation about potential trades. After a strong 2024-25 season, Montembeault's current struggles are hard to ignore.
Last season, Montembeault appeared in 62 games, recording a 31-24-7 record with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. This year, however, his numbers have declined to a 5-6-1 record, a 3.65 goals-against average, and a .857 save percentage over 15 games. This stark contrast in performance raises concerns about his consistency and overall impact on the team.
Adding to the complexity is the emergence of Jacob Fowler, a highly touted prospect who has drawn comparisons to Martin Brodeur. Fowler's recent call-up and impressive NHL debut, where he stopped 36 shots in a 4-2 win against Pittsburgh, have further intensified the pressure on Montembeault. Fowler previously dominated in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, posting a 10-5-0 record, a 2.09 goals-against average, and a .919 save percentage.
With Montembeault's struggles and Fowler's arrival, Hughes faces several options:
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Give Montembeault Time to Rebound: Management could express confidence in Montembeault, hoping he can rediscover his form. A "reset" might help him bounce back to the level he demonstrated last season. The Canadiens invested in Montembeault, signing him through the 2026-27 season at $3.15 million per year.
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Trade Montembeault: If Montembeault fails to improve, Hughes may have to explore the trade market. One potential trade partner could be the Edmonton Oilers, who have been seeking goaltending upgrades. However, Montembeault's recent performance might impact his trade value. A recent trade saw the Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers for Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin. If Hughes decides to trade Montembeault, the return may be similar to what the Penguins received.
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Promote Fowler and Trade Jakub Dobes: Another scenario involves keeping Fowler in the NHL and trading Jakub Dobes, creating an opportunity to address other needs in the Canadiens' lineup. Dobes has played 33 career NHL games, and in the 2025-26 season, he is 10-4-2 in 17 games, with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage. Trading Dobes could potentially bring in a sought-after veteran left-shot center.
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Maintain a Three-Goalie Rotation: For now, the Canadiens could continue with a three-goalie rotation, allowing Montembeault to work on his game while giving Fowler and Dobes opportunities to prove themselves. However, this situation is likely unsustainable in the long term and could hinder the development of all three goalies.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Kent Hughes, who must weigh Montembeault's potential for improvement against the team's current needs and the promising future of Jacob Fowler. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the Canadiens' goaltending strategy and whether a trade is necessary.
