As we approach the return of the NHL and the opening of training camps, it’s time to take a closer look at what one can expect from the Montreal Canadiens players this upcoming campaign. To kick things off, we’ll take a closer look at the Habs’ starting goaltender, Samuel Montembeault.
The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his career. He skated in 62 games and, for the first time, he was able to reach the 30-win mark, posting 31 triumphs. For the first time, his goals-against average was below the 3.00 mark with a 2.82 GAA, and his save percentage remained above .900 with a .902 SV. He started the 2024-25 campaign with a single shutout to his name, but he now has five after blanking the opponents four times.
Canadiens: Suzuki Had His Say In Big Trade
Canadiens: The Shrewed Trade That Keeps On Giving
New Canadiens Projected Top-Six Has Interesting Look
The netminder was one of only 10 NHL goaltenders to get at least 30 wins last season, and if the Canadiens are to keep progressing, they need Montembeault to do just that as well. If Montreal wants to get to the playoffs again, they need Montembeault to have a second consecutive 30+ wins season.
Without his contribution at the tail end of the season, the Sainte-Flanelle wouldn’t have made the playoffs, and the hope is that it will have done wonders for his confidence. The Habs netminder has also been invited to the Team Canada orientation camp for the upcoming Olympics, and since the team has only invited three netminders, his odds of making the team are high, and some more practice time with the very best players in the world won’t hurt.
Montembeault’s contract runs up to the end of the 2026-27 season, and with Jakub Dobes impressing last season and Jacob Forwler graduating from the NCAA, there will soon be competition for the number one job. Still, for this season at least, the Becancour native is the Canadiens’ first-string goalie.
If that’s a role he wants to retain in the future, he’ll need to become more consistent and be able to make the big saves when they are most needed. Toward the end of the season, he struggled with shots from far out, and the hope is that he’ll clean that up by the time the season starts.
While Noah Dobson’s acquisition has made the Canadiens’ blueline better as a whole, the right-shot blueliner isn’t exactly known for his defensive ability. With David Savard gone, Montembeault should expect to see more rubber without the big blueliner blocking shots left, right, and center.
Overall, I fully expect Montembeault to take another step forward in his development, and the presence of a reliable backup from the start of the season will go a long way toward putting him in a comfortable position. While he didn’t complain about playing too much last season, it’s clear that he could have used more rest, and if he does get that this season, he’ll only be better for it.
Given the overall improvements made to the team, it’s definitely in the realm of possibility that Montembeault will get to 30 or even 35 wins. If he does that, he’ll be in a good position to remain with the Canadiens even when Fowler comes knocking in the big league.
Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.