Canadiens Former Starting Goalie on Oilers Offseason Trade Radar

Several sources are reporting this week that the Edmonton Oilers are kicking tires on the availability of Sam Montembeault out of Montreal. Maxime Truman is among those who think there’s a bit more than just speculation to this. He writes, “According to my information, the Oilers would have significant interest in Samuel Montembeault.” He adds, “Note: the Oilers aren’t the only ones who have called the Habs about Montembeault, and the latter isn’t the only goalie on their radar. However, there is clearly a path that could lead to a trade. To be continued.”

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Montembeault has emerged as a potential under-the-radar trade option. With the Canadiens’ goaltending depth rapidly shifting toward prospects Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, Montembeault is viewed as expendable in Montreal. That surplus could lower his trade cost, with expectations of only a mid-round pick or modest prospect in return. That works well for the Oilers, who continue searching for stability in net.

At $3.15 million for one more season, Montembeault represents a relatively low-risk, short-term option for Edmonton to pair with Tristan Jarry. Ideally, the Oilers would like to correct the Jarry mistake and move on, but the belief is a trade isn’t likely and they’ll have to work with him to find his game. A Montembeault and Jarry as a 1A and1B option could work. It would mean the Oilers have around $9 million tied up in their goaltending. It’s more than they’d like, given the question marks surrounding both netminders, but in a thin market, there aren’t many options.

Despite a difficult 2025-26 season in Montreal—posting a 3.43 GAA and .872 save percentage in 25 games, Montembeault is still viewed as a possible bounce-back candidate.

Would Montembeault Be a Good Fit in Edmonton?

For a team like the Oilers to make a deep playoff run, they don’t necessarily need a star goaltender—but someone reliable. That could be Montembeault, who was great at the start of Montreal’s rebuild. However, since he’s seemingly lost his spot in Montreal’s system, the Canadiens and the goaltender might feel it’s time to move on.

A change of scenery might be good for him, and the pressure of playing in Edmonton isn’t that much different than playing in Montreal. The only difference was the window to win, which this past season got a whole lot closer between the two teams.

Next: Matthew Knies Trade Talk Resurfaces Amid Maple Leafs Deal with Flyers