What observers say
“Do you agree with @TonyMarinaro and Pierre that Montembeault is done with the Habs or with @BWildeMTL that his time is not done yet?” This question posed by The Sick Podcast encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding Samuel Montembeault’s future with the Montreal Canadiens. As the team navigates a challenging season, Montembeault’s performance has come under scrutiny, leading to speculation about whether he has played his last game in a Canadiens jersey.
Montembeault started the 2025-26 season on a high note, boasting a remarkable 6-0-0 record and a .930 save percentage in October. However, as the season progressed, his performance faltered, culminating in a disappointing .872 save percentage. This decline has prompted the Canadiens to reassess their goaltending situation, particularly with Jakub Dobes emerging as a more reliable option.
The Canadiens are reportedly considering trading Montembeault, who has played 231 NHL games, and his contract, valued at $3.15 million for one more season, adds complexity to any potential deal. Observers have noted that the Canadiens do not want to lose Montembeault for nothing, especially given the precedent set by Alex Nedeljkovic’s trade for a third-round pick last summer.
“A second-round pick for Montembeault?” some analysts have speculated, highlighting the potential return the Canadiens could receive. However, the exact return remains unclear, and the team’s willingness to part with Montembeault may hinge on their ability to secure a veteran goalie to back up Dobes next season.
In a surprising move, the Canadiens recently fired goaltending coach Eric Raymond and promoted Marco Marciano, indicating a shift in strategy. This change could signal a fresh start for Montembeault, but it also raises questions about whether he will be given a final chance to prove himself during training camp.
As discussions about Montembeault’s future continue, the Canadiens are weighing their options carefully. The team is looking for consistency in their goaltending, and Montembeault’s early-season success contrasted sharply with his later struggles, making his future uncertain.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Montembeault will remain with the Canadiens or if he will be traded. As the team prepares for the next phase of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
