The Montreal Canadiens have one too many goaltenders on their roster, according to general manager Kent Hughes, setting up a potential trade scenario for Samuel Montembeault.
Under the team’s preferred plan, Jacob Fowler would be reassigned to the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, while Montembeault would occupy the backup role behind starter Jakub Dobeš. According to the source, the Canadiens are “hoping he’ll look like the Montembeault of two years ago.”
This arrangement would essentially place Montembeault on display for other teams—what the source describes as “the proverbial storefront.” Following this evaluation period, the outlet suggests a trade could follow, allowing the Quebec-born goaltender “to get back on track elsewhere.”
The situation reflects a broader challenge facing the Canadiens as they prepare for training camp in Brossard. The organization is grappling with several roster uncertainties heading into the 2026-2027 season.
Defense remains another area of concern. Kaiden Guhle is reportedly injured with his season opener at risk, compounding existing worries about the blue line. The team lacks a reliable veteran right-handed defenseman, according to the source. This shortage places David Reinbacher in a position of prominence as camp opens. Though Reinbacher may not be fully ready—having dealt with injuries since his 2023 draft year—the Canadiens selected him fifth overall for a reason, and the source suggests now may be the moment to determine what he can contribute.
The team also faces questions at center depth. While Alex Newhook, Oliver Kapanen, and Jake Evans can play the position, the source notes they are “players who can play center,” rather than proven solutions. None of these options is ideal, and without a trade, the second-center question is likely to persist throughout the entire 2026-2027 season.
First-round pick Kirby Dach continues to receive opportunities to prove himself, consistent with how high draft picks are typically managed. However, the source suggests the pressure is mounting for Dach to deliver results.
The Canadiens have also made a coaching change, hiring Derek Lalonde as an associate coach focused on defense. Lalonde, a former head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, won Stanley Cups as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. According to the source, Lalonde is not tasked with player development but rather with helping the team win immediately.
Key facts
- The Canadiens have one too many goaltenders and plan to use a two-goalie rotation, per GM Kent Hughes
- Montembeault is expected to back up Jakub Dobeš, with Jacob Fowler reassigned to Laval
- A trade of Montembeault could follow the evaluation period, allowing him to play elsewhere
- Kaiden Guhle’s season opener is at risk due to injury
- The team lacks a reliable veteran right-handed defenseman
- Derek Lalonde was hired as associate coach; he won Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021