3 Trade Destinations for Canadiens’ Samuel Montembeault

The Montreal Canadiens appear to be entering a new phase in their rebuild. With Jakub Dobes emerging as a legitimate NHL starter and Jacob Fowler continuing his development, questions are beginning to surface about Samuel Montembeault’s future with the organization.

Montembeault has been a valuable player for the Canadiens over the last few seasons, helping stabilize a position that was once a major weakness. However, with younger goaltenders pushing for opportunities, a tough season for Montembeault and Montreal looking to continue improving its roster, a trade involving the veteran netminder could eventually make sense.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have spent years searching for consistency in goal. Despite having one of the league’s most talented cores led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, goaltending has often been one of the biggest question marks surrounding the organization. The Oilers have tried multiple solutions over the years, but none have truly established themselves as a long-term answer.

That’s where Montembeault could become an intriguing option. While he may not be viewed as an elite starter, Montembeault has proven he can handle a significant workload and remain competitive behind a team that wasn’t always among the NHL’s best defensively. His experience, calm demeanour, and relatively affordable contract would make him an attractive target for a team that doesn’t have much cap flexibility.

The Oilers don’t necessarily need a superstar between the pipes. They need stability. They need someone capable of giving them quality starts on a regular basis while allowing their high-powered offence to do the rest. If Edmonton believes Montembeault can provide that, the acquisition cost would likely be manageable compared to some of the bigger names that could become available on the trade market.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a difficult position. The organization is trying to remain competitive while simultaneously preparing for the future. Their goaltending situation 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 ready to spend significant assets on a high-profile goalie.

He could provide stability while the Penguins continue their transition period and evaluate what their roster will look like moving forward. At 29 years old, he is young enough to remain part of the picture for several seasons but experienced enough to help guide a team through a challenging phase. For a club that may not be ready to contend immediately but still wants to remain respectable, Montembeault checks several boxes.

Toronto Maple Leafs

A trade within the division is never easy, but it isn’t 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 considers.

Toronto’s playoff disappointments over the years have often led management to continuously look for upgrades in goal. Even when they appear set between the pipes, the Maple Leafs have rarely hesitated to explore additional options. Goaltending depth has become increasingly important in today’s NHL, and injuries can quickly derail a season. Adding a goalie who has experience as both a starter and a tandem option could provide Toronto with flexibility.

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

With Dobes establishing himself and Fowler continuing to climb the prospect ranks, Montreal may eventually decide that moving Montembeault is the best way to maximize organizational assets. If that happens, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and Toronto could all emerge as logical destinations. Each team has questions in goal, and each could benefit from adding a reliable veteran netminder without paying the steep price that often comes with acquiring a goaltender.