Waivers or trade for Monty: Either way, it’s not a good idea

Marc-Olivier Cook
Waivers or trade for Monty: Either way, it’s not a good idea
Credit: Getty Images

What's next for Samuel Montembeault?

That's a good question. Because it's true that it's starting to get a little complicated with the success Jacob Fowler is enjoying in the National League, even though he's still so young.

Some have raised the possibility of the Canadiens trading the Québécois. Others would like to see him placed on waivers. But it doesn't matter: it's not a good idea.

Back in the day, the Habs traded Cristobal Huet to the Capitals in the middle of the season because they found themselves in a similar situation.

The Canadiens had two other good young goalies in Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, and they wanted to make room for them by trading the veteran. But… things didn't go as planned in the playoffs, even though the Habs were at the top of the standings: the club collapsed in the playoffs and some players wept.

Right now, the Habs need veteran help. And even if Monty seems to have lost his spark, he's still an important part of the team because the guys in the locker room love him so much.

And we also know that the organization (still) believes in him.

Monty's performance is hard to explain because we saw him be really, really good last season.

And he had an even worse club in front of him, to boot. The team's defense wasn't as good and there was less depth in the offense.

That said, that's why I'm inclined to believe that things can get back on track. The clock is ticking in a way, because it's already Christmas… but it's not too late either.

Because if it does, it could allow the Habs to send Fowler back if he starts having trouble, to give him even more time. Everyone would fall into the “right” chair, and that would be ideal for the future too.

But Monty has to get back to the best version of himself first. And that's not a given either…


Overtime

– Right.

– Yeah.

– Well done.

– Oh.

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