New Canadiens' Potential Trade Partner For Sam Montembeault Emerging?

Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault is a prime trade candidate for the Original Six club.

With the Canadiens having young goalies Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, they should be looking to move on from Montembeault and his $3.15 million cap hit. This is especially so with him being a pending unrestricted free agent.

Finding a trade partner for Montembeault this season may be tricky, as the 29-year-old had a down year in 2025-26. However, his past success could make him an interesting goalie for another team to take a chance on if they need help between the pipes.

Now, one Metropolitan Division team is starting to stand out as a potential option for the Canadiens: the New Jersey Devils. 

While the Devils have a 5-4-0 record this season, their goaltending has undoubtedly been shaky. Former Canadiens netminder Jake Allen has an .883 save percentage and a 3.15 goals-against average in six games for New Jersey this campaign. Nico Daws, on the other hand, has an .857 save percentage and a 3.38 goals-against average in three games this campaign.

If the Devils' goaltending continues to struggle early on, it is fair to wonder if New Jersey could pivot to a goalie like Montembeault. He would have the potential to be an upgrade over Daws as the Devils' backup goalie, at a minimum. However, if acquired and he regained his top form, Montembeault could also compete for the Devils' starting job.

From 2022-23 to 2024-25, Montembeault had a .901 save percentage or better with the Canadiens. Perhaps that could get the attention of the Devils if their goaltending does not improve.