Sam Montembeault Is Suddenly More Interesting Than He Looks

Here’s a name worth keeping an eye on as the goalie market shakes loose: Sam Montembeault. The Canadiens are carrying three legit goalies right now, and that’s just not sustainable long-term, even if it’s cheap enough to get away with for a while. Fowler’s coming up, Dobes is entrenched, and Montembeault’s the guy who’s probably squeezed out of playing time if nothing changes.

The real question isn’t whether Montreal could move him. It’s what they’d actually want back if they did. And that’s where things get interesting, because Kent Hughes isn’t exactly predictable when it comes to trades.

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How Would Connor Hellebuyck Factor Into the Equation?

A lot of this probably hinges on what happens with Connor Hellebuyck first. If Winnipeg ends up trading him, there’s a real chance a goalie comes back the other way. That would suddenly shake loose the rest of the goalie market, and Montembeault could become much more available elsewhere in the league. Teams that miss out on landing Hellebuyck could easily pivot straight to Montembeault as their backup plan. A team like New Jersey, which already has an unusual goaltending situation of its own, makes a ton of sense as a landing spot. Basically, once the Hellebuyck domino falls, expect the rest of the goalie market to move fast behind it.

Here’s the part that makes this genuinely fun to speculate on. Hughes doesn’t operate like most GMs. He’s not the type to just flip Montembeault for a mid-round pick and call it a day. Hughes likes finding value in unconventional spots. Is there a player stuck in a bad contract somewhere, a guy who needs a change of scenery? Is there someone who underperformed elsewhere but still has real talent? That’s basically been his MO since taking over in Montreal.

If Montembeault Gets Moved, Don’t Expect a Simple Return

So if Montembeault does get moved, don’t expect some straightforward “goalie for pick” swap. Hughes is far more likely to target a player who looks like a reclamation project on paper but fits Montreal’s timeline and cap situation in a way nobody else quite sees yet. That’s exactly the kind of move that looks a little strange on the day it happens and a lot smarter a year later.

The bottom line for Canadiens fans is to watch Hellebuyck first. His situation is probably the trigger for everything else in net around the league. But once that domino falls and Montembeault becomes genuinely available, don’t assume you already know what Montreal’s asking price looks like. Hughes has made a habit of finding value where other GMs aren’t even looking.

Related: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Senators & Oilers Trade Idea