The Canadiens faced elimination after a hard-fought battle, losing 1–0 in overtime. Just two days prior, they had managed to secure a victory against the Ducks, winning 3–2. Yet, as pressure mounted, Montembeault remained in the stands—his presence felt even if he wasn’t on the ice.

Montembeault’s season has been turbulent; he finished with an .873 save percentage over 25 games. This performance raises questions about his future with the Montreal Canadiens, especially considering his contract worth $3.15 million per year. The emergence of rookie Jakub Dobes—who boasts a .916 save percentage through six playoff games—adds to Montembeault’s challenges.

Carey Price’s potential transition into a goaltending coach role signals further changes within the organization. Price, with his Hall of Fame credentials including a Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy, could influence how goaltending is approached moving forward. Meanwhile, Dobes has secured twenty wins this season over 43 games, making Montembeault’s situation even more precarious.

As Montembeault cheered from the stands, he represented more than just himself; he embodied a spirit of camaraderie and support that is vital in high-stakes playoff scenarios. A player watching his role slip away—seeing a rookie shine—and still choosing to be fully present for his team speaks volumes about character and professionalism.

This current state of affairs matters for both Montembeault and the Canadiens. With their playoff run on the line and uncertainty looming over their goaltending situation, every decision counts. The team finished with an impressive record of 48-24-10, earning 106 points this season and showcasing their potential to compete at high levels.

The future remains uncertain for Montembeault as he navigates this challenging landscape within the organization. As teams assess their rosters post-playoffs, every performance will weigh heavily on decisions regarding contracts and player roles.

The post Samuel Montembeault’s Gesture Shines Amidst Canadiens’ Playoff Struggles appeared first on News Canada.

“Do you agree with @TonyMarinaro and Pierre that Montembeault is done with the Habs or with @BWildeMTL that his time is not done yet?” This question posed by The Sick Podcast encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding Samuel Montembeault’s future with the Montreal Canadiens. As the team navigates a challenging season, Montembeault’s performance has become a focal point for discussions about potential trades.

Montembeault started the 2025-26 season with remarkable promise, boasting a 6-0-0 record and a .930 save percentage in October. However, his fortunes have since changed dramatically, culminating in a disappointing .872 save percentage as the season progressed. This decline has prompted the Canadiens to consider their options, particularly as they look to bolster their goaltending lineup.

With Jakub Dobes emerging as a strong contender for the starting role, the Canadiens are reportedly contemplating trading Montembeault. The team is in search of a veteran goalie to back up Dobes next season, and Montembeault’s inconsistent performance may have sealed his fate. The Canadiens are keen on not losing Montembeault for nothing, especially given the precedent set last summer when Alex Nedeljkovic was traded for a third-round pick.

Montembeault has played a total of 231 NHL games, and his experience is seen as a valuable asset. As one observer noted, “Montembeault holds a key advantage with his experience, having played 231 NHL games.” However, his recent struggles have led to questions about whether he can reclaim his earlier form. The Canadiens have also made changes to their coaching staff, firing goaltending coach Eric Raymond and promoting Marco Marciano, which could influence Montembeault’s performance moving forward.

As the Canadiens weigh their options, the possibility of trading Montembeault for a mid-round pick is on the table. “A second-round pick for Montembeault?” one analyst speculated, highlighting the potential value that the Canadiens could extract from a trade. However, the exact return remains unclear, and details remain unconfirmed.

Looking ahead, the Canadiens face a pivotal moment in their decision-making process. Whether Montembeault will be given a final chance in training camp remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding his future with the team. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Montembeault and the Canadiens as they navigate this critical juncture.

In summary, Samuel Montembeault’s time with the Montreal Canadiens may be nearing its end. With trade discussions heating up and the team seeking to improve their goaltending situation, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Montembeault’s fate and the direction of the Canadiens’ roster.

The post Montembeault: Is Samuel Done with the Canadiens? appeared first on News Canada.

In a pivotal moment for the Montreal Canadiens, Jakub Dobes received an official warning from a referee during a heated match against the New York Islanders on March 22, 2026. This incident highlights the intensity of the game, which saw the Islanders accumulate a staggering 30 penalty minutes.

Dobes, boasting an impressive record of 22-8-4 this season, is expected to take the ice as the starting goaltender in the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. His performance has been a key factor in the Canadiens’ current standing of 38-21-10, indicating a strong playoff push.

At just 24 years old and standing 6-foot-4, Dobes was selected in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and his development has been closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. His passionate involvement from the bench during games has also drawn attention, showcasing his commitment to the team.

The emergence of Dobes has raised questions about the future of fellow goaltender Samuel Montembeault, whose save percentage this season is a concerning .872. Montembeault has played 231 NHL games, but with Dobes and Jacob Fowler stepping up, his position may be at risk.

As the Canadiens prepare for their next game, analysts are noting that Dobes has looked like the #1 goalie, a sentiment echoed by Renaud Lavoie, who remarked, “You know it’s a playoff-type game tonight.” This statement underscores the high stakes as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.

With the playoffs approaching, the Canadiens’ coaching staff, led by Patrick Roy, will need to make critical decisions regarding their goaltending strategy. The performance of Dobes in the upcoming games could very well dictate the team’s trajectory in the postseason.

As fans eagerly await the next game, the atmosphere around Dobes is charged with anticipation. His ability to handle pressure and perform under scrutiny will be tested as he steps into the spotlight against the Hurricanes.

Overall, Jakub Dobes is not just a player to watch; he is becoming a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ future. His recent warning from the referee may serve as a reminder of the challenges ahead, but it also highlights the fierce competition that defines the NHL.

Details remain unconfirmed.

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