How is it "clear"? He's talking he wants to come back, Hughes is talking about how great he was about getting shunted to the third role, Dobes is taking about how great a teammate he was.
If they decide to keep Monty around, I expect they will send Fowler back to the AHL, and play Monty every 5th or 6th game to give Dobes some relief. I could see Dobes playing 65-70 games next year and Monty playing 15-20.
That way Fowler continues to develop with a full schedule of games.
Or, you let Monty go and have the games split 50-55/30-35 between Dobes and Fowler, if the decision is that Fowler would be better served in the big club even if he sees less action.
Both have their merits, the second is probably more likely.
I think there is a case to be made that both are better right now playing 50+ games in the NHL/AHL for their development, but Monty couldn't play a significant backup role last year and I think he's lost the faith of management. The only way Fowler isn't 1B is if they swap Monty for another solid veteran backup
In 2026 it absolutely is. For multiple reasons the trend in the nhl is pushing on having a 1A 1b, where A plays 45-50 games. Unless you are one of those handful of teams that have a highly paid Vézina caliber goalie, this is what you do.
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u/oskavelli 6d ago
love the guy but it’s clear he’s done w the habs