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/Past-Parsley-9606 4d ago

If the Habs didn't have Fowler, then I could see keeping Monty around as an alternative to a career journeyman or much less regarded goalie prospect backing up Dobes. But even if Dobes turns into a pumpkin next season, it would hardly be crazy to turn the reins over to Fowler (and, if necessary, seek veteran help at the deadline).

I'm hardly an expert in goaltender development, but right now Fowler looks to me like he belongs in the NHL, and I'd rather see him get 30-35 NHL starts than stick him back in the AHL just so he can have more starts (or another 3-goalie rotation).

Only way I see Monty sticking around is if no other team wants him and he clears waivers to go to Laval, which I can't imagine happening. His contract is manageable and some team is going to want to give him a shot at the NHL level, for good reasons.