Montreal Canadiens’ Carrier and Montembeault Face Pivotal Contract Years

The Montreal Canadiens are entering a significant season, not just for their team dynamics but also for the futures of players like Alexandre Carrier and Samuel Montembeault. Both veterans find themselves in contract years, adding an extra layer of pressure as the puck drops on a new season.

For Montembeault, last season was a challenging ordeal. After a disappointing performance that led him down to the AHL for a conditioning stint, he returned to the NHL only to struggle again, ultimately finding himself watching from the press box by early March. His stats reflect a tough year, finishing with a 10-8-4 record, a 3.43 goals-against average, and an .872 save percentage. As he looks to turn over a new leaf, Montembeault expressed optimism about his fresh start in Montreal, despite the crowded crease he faces with the emergence of Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.

With one year remaining on his contract at a manageable $3.15 million cap hit, Montembeault’s future is uncertain. While he believes he can reclaim his spot in the lineup, he must first convince his teammates that last season’s struggles were an anomaly. The challenge intensifies with Dobes recently signing a new three-year deal and Fowler being viewed as the goaltender of the future.

On the blue line, Alexandre Carrier is also poised for a crucial year. Now approaching 30, Carrier has been a valuable asset to the Canadiens since his acquisition from the Nashville Predators during the 2024-25 season. He has shown potential, averaging a 0.30 points-per-game pace, with a notable increase in shooting percentage last season, hitting 12.5% compared to just 3.7% the previous year.

Ideally suited as a bottom-pairing defenseman, Carrier has had to adapt due to the team’s need for right-shot defensemen, often playing out of position. His effectiveness has been evident when paired with players like Mike Matheson and Kaiden Guhle. As training camp approaches, the spotlight will not only be on Carrier but also on rookie David Reinbacher, who is expected to compete for a spot on the roster. Given the current depth issues on the right side, Carrier’s performance could dictate whether he receives an extension, especially as younger players like Bryce Pickford and Bogdan Konyushkov develop.

With the Canadiens looking to solidify their lineup, both Carrier and Montembeault will need to rise to the occasion. Their performances this season could determine not just their immediate futures but also the direction of the team as they navigate a competitive landscape.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.