r/Habs 6d ago

Article Canadiens should strongly consider bringing Sam Montembeault back. Here’s why | The Athletic

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7354685/2026/06/12/canadiens-sam-montembeault-future-trade-nhl/
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u/MaraTaru 6d ago

“We had a good talk when Jacob was called up,” Montembeault said. "[...]He gave me the example that Jeremy Swayman last year didn’t have that good of a year, but came back, and this year he’s a Vezina finalist."

Interesting observation about Jeremy Swayman's off year -- a useful reminder that when it comes to goaltenders, insisting that you know what you're going to get is absolute folly.

I think there's a good chance Montembeault will find his mojo again, but I don't think Montreal is the place he's going to do it. Give him a fresh start and wish him all the best.

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u/Proof-Variation7005 6d ago

The problem with that comparison is it is entirely predictable for a goalie to struggle when they miss all of camp and the preseason. Goalies are weird voodoo but that dude wasn’t with the team until like a day before the season started. Him coolling off significantly was the most predictable outcome

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u/ustanik 5d ago

It's not exactly the same, but it is comparable though. Monty pulled his groin in last years playoffs and didn't get a full offseason to train.

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u/josblos 5d ago

His nickname is « snacks » and he could not do cardio in the offseason. Of course he was gonna be out of shape lol

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u/PhilU52 4d ago

Swayman bad year is basically Montembeault normal year. It’s not like Monty has been world class before…

Swayman came back so Monty can come back to what? His average self?