Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens’ goaltending situation remains one to watch.
One thing is clear for now.
Jakub Dobes will begin next season as the number-one goaltender, and to many people’s surprise, Montembeault still has not been traded.
Dobes, coming off a 29-win season in 43 games with a .901 save percentage, will try to replicate his outstanding spring 2026 performance.
Montembeault, meanwhile, is coming off a season to forget.
The Quebec native posted a .872 save percentage in just 25 games.
His value is therefore not at its peak, and that is apparently why Kent Hughes is not rushing to trade him.
Several options remain available to the Canadiens in goal
Godin added an important nuance.
“I still believe that if there’s an interesting offer, Montembeault will be traded.”
A Canadiens trade involving Samuel Montembeault is therefore still absolutely possible.
But the analyst also raised another possibility.
Montembeault could very well bounce back as Jakub Dobes’ backup.
That would allow young Jacob Fowler to continue developing with the Laval Rocket.
The promising 21-year-old goaltender posted a .908 save percentage in the National Hockey League in 2025-26, the best among Canadiens goaltenders, but Montreal clearly wants to be cautious with his development.
It’s like keeping a reliable veteran as an insurance policy.
If Dobes or Fowler were to suffer an injury, Montembeault’s experience would be extremely valuable to the Canadiens.
Another option is that a desperate team could drive up the price.
A team hit by injuries in goal would likely pay a premium for an experienced goaltender.
If Montembeault rebounds, his trade value would naturally increase.
The Canadiens could then move him under much better conditions.
There is also one final option.
Waivers would free up $3.15 million in cap space if he were claimed.
If no one claims him, he would become a strong goaltender for the Laval Rocket alongside Kaapo Kahkonen.
And you, which of these options is your favorite?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Samuel Montembeault trade talks reignited by new Canadiens development
Should the Canadiens keep Samuel Montembeault as their backup instead of trading him?