Montembeault Faces Uncertain Future
“I want to be a Montreal Canadien. As long as I can and as soon as I can,” said Jacob Fowler, who has recently been called up to the NHL, potentially signaling a change in the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltending lineup.
This season, Samuel Montembeault has struggled, leading to increased reliance on Jakub Dobes, who has a 2.97 GAA and an .892 SV% in 31 games. The Canadiens are currently carrying three goalies: Montembeault, Dobes, and Fowler, creating a competitive atmosphere for the starting position.
Montembeault had high hopes at the start of the season to take over the starting role full-time. However, his performance in the postseason last year was lackluster, contributing to the current situation. The decision to choose Jacob Fowler over Montembeault was a difficult one for Martin St-Louis, as he weighs the team’s options.
Fowler expressed his desire to remain with the Canadiens, stating, “It’s hard. I’m really close to both those guys and you’re rooting for them, but at the end of the day, you want to be in that net every night. It’s part of the job.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of the position and the camaraderie among the goalies.
Montembeault is under contract for one more season at $3.15 million, a cap hit that may be considered steep for a backup netminder. As the Canadiens explore their options, including the potential trade market for Montembeault this offseason, the situation remains fluid.
Fowler’s waivers-exempt status allows for easier movement between the NHL and AHL, which could further complicate Montembeault’s standing with the team. With 20 upcoming games that could serve as an audition for Dobes and Fowler, the pressure is mounting.
Despite the challenges, Montembeault maintains an exemplary attitude and does not cause distractions for his teammates. His reputation for professionalism may play a crucial role in how the Canadiens navigate this transition.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the Canadiens will proceed with Montembeault’s situation and the impact of Fowler’s performance on his future.
