Montembeault’s Struggles and Team Dynamics
“I want to be a Montreal Canadien. As long as I can and as soon as I can,” said Jacob Fowler, reflecting his commitment to the team amid a challenging goalie situation. Fowler’s recent call-up to the NHL has raised questions about Samuel Montembeault’s future with the Montreal Canadiens, particularly as Montembeault has struggled this season.
Montembeault’s performance has led to a reliance on Jakub Dobes, who has a 2.97 GAA and an .892 SV% in 31 games this season. This shift indicates a growing concern regarding Montembeault’s ability to secure the starting role, which he had high hopes of claiming at the beginning of the season.
Team Decisions and Future Implications
Martin St-Louis faced a difficult decision in choosing Fowler over Montembeault, a move that reflects the current dynamics within the team. Montembeault’s postseason performance last year was lackluster, contributing to the Canadiens’ current goalie dilemma. As the team carries three goaliesโMontembeault, Dobes, and Fowlerโthe pressure mounts on Montembeault to improve.
Fowler’s desire to remain with the Canadiens is evident, as he expressed, “Itโs hard. Iโm really close to both those guys and youโre rooting for them, but at the end of the day, you want to be in that net every night. Itโs part of the job.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of the position and the camaraderie among the players.
Contract and Trade Considerations
Montembeault is under contract for one more season at $3.15 million, a cap hit that may be considered steep for a backup netminder. The Canadiens may explore the trade market for Montembeault this offseason, especially given Fowler’s waivers-exempt status, which allows for easier movement between the NHL and AHL.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the Canadiens will proceed with Montembeault’s situation. The impact of Fowler’s performance on Montembeault’s future remains uncertain, as the team navigates the complexities of their goalie lineup.
As the season progresses, the upcoming 20 games could serve as an audition for both Dobes and Fowler, potentially determining Montembeault’s standing within the organization moving forward.
