Articles / Canadiens Are Sending Montembeault a Clear Message With Lack of Starts

Canadiens Are Sending Montembeault a Clear Message With Lack of Starts

T
The Hockey Writers
Dec 17, 2025 12:07 AM

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The Montreal Canadiens are sending a clear message to goaltender Samuel Montembeault by limiting his starts this season. Following the acquisition of Jake Allen and the emergence of other options, Montembeault has found himself in a challenging position where his playing time has dwindled significantly. With minimal opportunities to showcase his abilities, it's becoming increasingly evident that the team is evaluating their goaltending situation closely.

As the Canadiens seek to improve their overall performance, the coaching staff may be looking for a more reliable option between the pipes. This could affect Montembeault’s confidence and development as he wishes to establish himself as a key contributor to the team. The Montreal coaching staff is seemingly prioritizing wins over player development in this scenario.

The situation reflects greater challenges within the team, particularly in how they manage their young players and their development pathways. With the pressure on Montembeault, it is crucial for him to be ready for whenever the team calls upon him again, keeping consistent with his training and mindset. How the Canadiens navigate this goaltending conundrum could define their season ahead as they work through their roster adjustments and strategic plans to return to competitiveness.