Samuel Montembeault awaits the end of the derby for the real number 1

Since Samuel Montembeault signed a new pact in the middle of the morning today (Friday), he immediately became the flavour of the day. All the experts and fans have put their two cents in on the “Montembeault” issue, whether it’s about his salary or his status.

Some say that Montembeault is a transitional (or default) number one, until the real future number one goaltender develops and comes to the Montreal Canadiens organization. Moreover, JiC believes that Sam, whom he describes as a very good kid, “is an insurance policy while we wait to see who wins the derby”.

“Montembeault is not the future #1 ” https://t.co/ur9nwCZh4p

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 1, 2023

The TVA Sports host puts the names of Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, Quentin Miller and Yevgeny Volokhin among those vying for pole position in the Montreal net. Stéphane Waite, for his part, is convinced that Fowler has what it takes to fill the role in the medium term.

Stéphane Waite is confident that Jacob Fowler will become the CH’s next true #1 goaltender! pic.twitter.com/E1U9vedG3Q

– Hockey 360 (@hockey360) December 2, 2023

The point is not to get into a confrontation with Waite, who remains one of the best goaltending coaches around, but Martin Biron seems convinced that Montembeault has what it takes to become an excellent 50-55 game number one. Biron spoke about this on BPM Sports’ Martin Lemay show.

How can we ignore Fowler’s speculation about the CH’s future in net, a pivotal position long occupied by one of the best goaltenders in history, Carey Price?

Since the start of the Boston College program’s 2023-24 schedule, Fowler has been putting up monstrous statistics, proving just how palpable his talent is. The Glorious’ 3rd-round pick has racked up 11 wins and just three losses, including one in overtime. Add to that his 1.98 goals-against average and 93.1% save percentage. Colossal, no less!

In short, no matter what people believe about the current No. 35, I’m convinced he has what it takes to be an excellent 50-game No. 1 goalie.

In brief

– Dany Dubé is not in left field when it comes to Martin St.Louis.

According to Dany Dubé, Martin St-Louis wanted to “delay the truth” by saying that his team played a good game against the Panthers:

“Not all truth is good truth. There are times to say things, and this wasn’t the time” -Dany Dubé

At from @ybouchardRDS pic.twitter.com/xffegZGzFh

– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) December 2, 2023