As the summer progresses, Montreal Canadiens fans are left pondering the team’s goaltending situation. Samuel Montembeault remains on the roster, which could lead to a unique scenario where the Canadiens feature three NHL-caliber goaltenders once again this season.
Last season, Montembeault’s struggles prompted the early call-up of Jacob Fowler, a young netminder from Melbourne, Florida. At just 21 years old, Fowler quickly proved himself, displaying poise and skill that belied his age. In 17 appearances, he recorded a 9-6-2 record, a 2.43 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage, including a shutout that highlighted his potential.
In contrast, Montembeault’s performance was less impressive, finishing the season with a 10-8-4 record, a 3.43 GAA, and an .872 SV. Jakub Dobes, who was instrumental in many of the Canadiens’ victories, ended the year with a 29-10-4 record, a 2.78 GAA, and a .901 SV. His rise to prominence came when Montembeault struggled, and by the playoffs, Dobes had firmly established himself as the team’s number one goaltender.
The Canadiens recognized Dobes’ contributions by signing him to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5,357,575. This deal not only acknowledges his efforts but also positions him as a key player moving forward. As Dobes himself noted, while a contract doesn’t guarantee playing time, it certainly indicates he has the upper hand in the current goaltending competition.
However, having three goaltenders—two of whom are 25 or younger—presents a challenge. Young goalies require ample playing time to develop, and general manager Kent Hughes has made it clear that if Fowler remains with the NHL squad, he must see significant action. The trend in the league is shifting towards a two-goalie system, which helps to manage workloads and keep both netminders engaged.
The Canadiens are now in a win-now mode, focusing on immediate results rather than prolonged development. Given Montembeault’s inconsistent performance last season, questions linger about his ability to regain the trust of his teammates. His tendency to concede early goals often put the team at a disadvantage, leading to increased anxiety among his fellow players.
While Fowler could be sent down to the AHL for more playing time, the decision is complicated. He has only played 30 games with the Rocket and eight in the AHL playoffs, which raises questions about whether that experience is sufficient. The development paths of goalies can vary widely, with some needing more time in the minors than others. For instance, Dobes played 65 AHL games before becoming a regular, while others like Carey Price and Andrei Vasilevskiy had significantly fewer games before making their NHL debuts.
If the Canadiens opt for a Dobes-Fowler tandem and consider sending Montembeault to the AHL, the likelihood of him clearing waivers is slim. Losing a goaltender of his caliber for nothing would be a tough pill for the Canadiens management to swallow. While the team’s need for improved forward depth is often discussed, finding a suitable situation for Montembeault may be an even more pressing concern.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
