The Canadiens did everything they could to trade Montembeault, but couldn’t find a taker

There won't be many new players to watch when the Canadiens' training camp kicks off in three weeks. However, there's one “veteran” player who will catch my attention more than the others: Samuel Montembeault.

And I won't be the only one.

Louis Jean was a guest on Meeker Guerrier's show last night on 98.5 FM, and he devoted almost his entire segment to the Quebec goaltender. Go listen to it—it's excellent.

Louis Jean recalled that once the 2025–26 season was over, he believed Samuel Montembeault's time in Montreal was coming to an end.

“I told myself, he'll never wear a Montreal Canadiens jersey again.” – Louis Jean

Where it gets interesting is when Louis Jean brings up THE reason why Montembeault is still a member of the organization.

“The Canadiens did everything they could to trade him, but they weren't able to find a taker […] Kent Hughes wanted to be more active than he was able to be. What was offered to him for Samuel Montembeault just didn't cut it for him. That's why he's still here”—Louis Jean

According to Louis Jean, anything could still happen—from a three-way trade to Jacob Fowler being sent back to Laval. Samuel Montembeault didn't arrive at training camp last fall in top shape; he'd likely taken it easy over the summer, figuring he'd secured his spot as the starting goaltender. On top of that, he'd gotten married during the summer. Had he rested too much?

Meeker added that Samuel Montembeault's injury during the series against the Capitals also appears to have affected Montembeault's summer training.

Personally, I can't imagine a scenario in which Montembeault is in goal for the Habs in 2026–27. Every game will be crucial, and leaving points on the table because you're playing your third-string goalie could come back to haunt you in the spring.

The ideal scenario would certainly have been to have already traded Montembeault, but his value isn't very high. That said, in my view, the second-best scenario isn't to use Montembeault to put pressure on the two young goalies ahead of him.

Of course, the organization will claim that every position is up for grabs and that if Montembeault is one of the top two goalies at camp, he'll earn his spot at the start of the season. However, I don't see how such a scenario could work out.

Louis Jean believes Samuel Montembeault could pull off a surprise at the upcoming training camp; I don't.

He also points out that Jacob Fowler hasn't proven himself in the NHL, while Meeker Guerrier simply doesn't see him as a number two. Guerrier is even concerned about the possibility that Jakub Dobes might have taken it a bit easier this summer and arrive at camp in the same frame of mind as Samuel Montembeault did last year.

I understand where both hosts/columnists are coming from; I've had the same thought. The difference is that I don't see Montembeault making a comeback and stealing the backup spot from Jacob Fowler.

If they believed in Montembeault, they would have kept him as the backup in the playoffs, which would have allowed Jacob Fowler to go help the Rocket. They didn't do that.

We'll see.