His agent wants to start negotiations with the Habs this month → https://t.co/6WZDvn2Hsj
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 15, 2023
Filip Gustavsson’s contract: a preview of Samuel Montembeault’s next deal
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-Lemay![Filip Gustavsson’s contract: a preview of Samuel Montembeault’s next deal](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/08/samuel-montembeault.jpg)
When Marc Bergevin called for Samuel Montembeault in the balloting almost two years ago, he didn’t know it yet, but he got a guy who was going to play a lot of field hockey in Montreal. In the last two seasons, the Quebecer has played no less than 78 games in town.
🗣️ ALL ABOARD! 🚌
We’ve signed goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a 3 year, $11.25M contract!
Full details “ https://t.co/njnkbosiAz#mnwild pic.twitter.com/b2nnhls4Nh
– Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 31, 2023
Montembeault’s case is a little different in that he never had Gustavsson’s big season last year. In fact, his best season came last year with a 3.42 goals-against average and 0.901 save percentage in 40 outings.
But the reality is that Monty is a guy with a little more NHL experience, with 103 games under his belt. What’s more, part of the difference in numbers can be explained by the difference in defensive quality between the two goaltenders.
The CH is counting on some fine young defenders, but right now, I’d take the Wild’s squad 10 times out of 10 before the CH’s. That may not explain all the difference. That may not explain all the difference in numbers, but it does explain a good part of it, in my opinion.
Do I think Montembeault will necessarily earn $11.25 million over three years like his Wild counterpart? Not necessarily, no. We know he really wants to stay in Montreal, and I think there’s a way for him and the CH to come to an agreement for a little less money.
I think the gap between the two goalies’ numbers, as well as Montembeault’s desire to stay in town, will make a three-year pact for a salary somewhere between $2.5M and $3M per year realistic.
And even if that were to rise to $3.25 million a season, I’d have no problem giving the Quebec goalie such a pact. He’s really happy in Montreal, and as we saw at the World Championship, he’s capable of performing well when supported by a good defensive brigade.
Jake Allen earns $3.85 million and isn’t necessarily of Montembeault’s calibre. At least, he wasn’t last year.
In short, it’s something to keep an eye on, but given that Kent Hughes said he’d make Montembeault’s contract his priority after signing his restricted free agents, it’s safe to assume that this will be the hot topic in Montreal in August. Because RafaĂ«l Harvey-Pinard, Alex Newhook and Jesse Ylönen are all now under contract.
In a row
– Speaking of Quebec goalies.
The Quebec goalie deal also comes with a one-year option for 2027.⚽️ pic.twitter.com/j0eDTzxvnc
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) August 1, 2023
– Josh Ho-Sang is thinking about retirement.
This former McDavid sidekick never managed to play up to his immense talent… https://t. co/R4uAUDWRiV
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 1, 2023
– I think he did. The question is whether Montreal would pass markets like Vegas and Seattle.
Do you think an NBA team would be popular in Montreal?🏀
To listen to @Richardlabbe and @MaxLalonde_‘s column: https://t.co/sOqPMKBcwS pic.twitter.com/W00cCbTwQ3
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) August 1, 2023
– The Angels continue to be active at this MLB trade deadline.
They only have a few hours left to make up for this eternal shortcoming. https://t.co/JG1a7KsZqc
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) August 1, 2023