Montembeault Injury Puts Canadiens Goaltending Future in Question

The Montreal Canadiens have a new goalie situation. Jakub Dobes is the starter now, and the team gave him a new contract this summer. While Sam Montembeault recovers, they called up Jacob Fowler. He is seen as one of the best young goalies in the league. He did not play well in his first game back against Nashville. Still, he has been excellent in the minor leagues this year.

Montembeault hurt his lower body during practice on Wednesday. The coach said he will miss ten to fourteen days. Usually, a backup goalie getting hurt is not a big deal. But this time, it could change his future with the club.

His recent numbers show why people are worried. Last season he played in twenty-three games and struggled to stop pucks. His save percentage was well below what he posted the year before. Back then, he was the starter and helped the club reach the playoffs.

If Fowler keeps playing well, the team could send Sam to waivers. That move would free up over a million dollars in salary cap space. It would give Montreal more flexibility before the trade deadline. Sam is on the final year of his current contract, so this is a critical time for him. It makes one wonder if the team should trust the young prospect instead.