Goaltenders: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the habs tried to make a trade.”

Vincent Larue
Goaltenders: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the habs tried to make a trade.”
Credit: Getty Images

The Canadiens find themselves in an uncomfortable situation in front of their net. The return to base imposed on Samuel Montembeault becomes not only a performance constant, but also a trigger for broader reflection.

Very quickly on The Chris Johnston Show , the discussion shifts to a growing possibility. If the Habs can't find stability, they may have to look elsewhere.

Chris Johnston recalls that, a year ago, Montembeault was making obvious progress and even receiving international recognition. Today, he has accepted a move to Laval to start afresh. It's not a medical formality. It's a decision linked to his performance and the anxiety that's setting in at the office.

Here's the episode in question:

The analyst insists on the rarity of such a move. Established goalkeepers almost never return to the AHL to rebuild mentally and technically. The move shows just how seriously the situation is taken.

Johnston then points out another element that is difficult to circumvent. According to save statistics, the Québécois goaltender is one of the worst performers in the league. At a time when the Habs are trying to stay in the playoff race, this kind of slide ends up dictating concrete decisions.

“I wouldn't be surprised at all if they look at the trade market.” – Chris Johnston

Montembeault's stay in Laval is limited. We're talking about a few days. This short time becomes a direct test. Especially for management, who need to know what to do for the rest of the campaign.

The analyst's idea is not presented as a threat, nor as a catastrophic scenario. It's simply a logical option if the performance in front of the net continues to be insufficient to qualify for the playoffs.

Jakub Dobes offered some interesting moments without becoming a definitive solution. Jacob Fowler is only 21 and is already experiencing the ups and downs of learning. The Québécois goaltender must now convince everyone that he still deserves his position in the medium term, and that he can once again become the goaltender who led the Canadiens to the playoffs last year.

The Canadiens don't have much time. Two games in less than a week to clarify the rotation. Probably also the game against the Penguins this weekend. If that fails, management may decide it needs certainties that this organization doesn't yet possess in front of the net.


overtime

– David Perron collects his 800th NHL point.

– Quinn Hutson scores his first NHL goal.

– Tristan Jarry comes out of the game accommodated by an injury.

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