3 Canadian Samuel Montembeault Trades – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens appear to be entering a new phase in their rebuild. As Jakub Dobes emerges as a legitimate NHL starter and Jacob Fowler continues to improve, questions are beginning to arise about Samuel Montembeault’s future with the organization.

Montembeault has been a key player for the Canadiens over the past few seasons, helping to stabilize a position that was once a major weakness. However, with young goaltenders pursuing opportunities, a difficult season for Montembeault and Montreal looking to continue to improve its program, a trade involving the veteran netminder could end up making sense.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have spent years looking for consistency in goal. Despite having one of the most talented cores in the league led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, scoring is often one of the biggest questions surrounding the organization. The Oilers have tried many solutions over the years, but none have established themselves as a long-term answer.

This is where Montembeault can be an interesting option. While he may not look like a special starter, Montembeault has proven he can shoulder a significant load and remain competitive behind a team that hasn’t always been among the NHL’s best defensively. His experience, calm demeanor, and affordable contract could make him attractive to a team that doesn’t have much flexibility.

The Oilers don’t really need a star between the pipes. They need stability. They need someone who can give them quality starts while allowing their high-powered offense to do the rest. If Edmonton believes that Montembeault can provide that, the acquisition costs are likely to be manageable compared to other big names that may be available on the trade market.

The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a tough spot. The organization is trying to stay competitive while preparing for the future. Their goal setting remains somewhat uncertain, making them a potential landing spot for Montembeault.

Stuart Skinner is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Arturs Silovs is a restricted free agent. Montembeault would represent a relatively low-risk acquisition for a team that may not be willing to spend valuable assets on a high-profile goalkeeper.

He could provide stability while the Penguins continue their transition period and assess what their roster will look like going forward. At 29, he is still young enough to be part of the picture for a few seasons but has enough experience to help guide the team through a challenging division. For a club that may not be ready to compete any time soon but still wants to stay respectable, Montembeault checks a few boxes.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Trading within a category is never easy, but not impossible either. The Toronto Maple Leafs already have Anthony Stolarz and Samuel Ersson in the fold, but adding another goaltender with NHL experience could be something the organization is considering.

Toronto’s playoff disappointments in previous years have often led managers to continue to look for goaltending improvements. Even when they appear to be positioned between the pipes, the Maple Leafs rarely hesitate to explore additional options. Goaltending depth has become increasingly important in today’s NHL, and injuries can quickly derail a season. Adding an experienced goaltender as a starter and tandem option would give Toronto flexibility.

If Toronto believes that Montembeault can bolster his fitness and improve his chances of finally making a deep playoff run, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Maple Leafs at least make a call.

With Dobes proving himself and Fowler continuing to climb the ranks, Montreal may finally decide that moving Montembeault is the best way to expand the organization’s assets. If that happens, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and Toronto could all emerge as logical destinations. Every team has questions in goal, and each could benefit from adding a reliable veteran netminder without paying the high price that usually comes with acquiring a goalkeeper.