The buzz around the NHL trade market right now is focused squarely on the net. Specifically, the future of Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault and the desperate need for stability in the crease for the Edmonton Oilers. Following intriguing comments from insider David Pagnotta, the prospect of a transaction involving Montembeault to shore up Edmonton’s goaltending has become a very real point of speculation.
The situation in Montreal is complex. While Montembeault has established himself as a capable NHL netminder, the emergence of Jakub Dobes has changed the internal dynamic. Dobes, after a scorching start to the season, has put the Canadiens’ brass in a fascinating spot. While his emotional post-loss interview may have been a brief reminder of his youth, his strong play, coupled with prospect Jacob Fowler in the pipeline, gives the Canadiens options. Simply put, if Dobes can regain his rhythm and prove he can handle an increased workload, it makes Montembeault a very valuable, albeit expendable, asset.
The Edmonton Oilers Goaltending Dilemma
On the other side of the equation, the Edmonton Oilers’ need is glaring. They simply cannot rely on a sub-optimal tandem if they intend to leverage their elite offensive core—namely Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—for a deep playoff run. The idea of acquiring a veteran like Montembeault, who has experience on the international stage and has been a reliable starter for a rebuilding team, is tantalizing for Edmonton.
The most logical fit would see Montembeault joining Stuart Skinner in a 1A/1B tandem. Both goalies are on cap-friendly contracts, making the combined cap hit manageable for a contender like the Oilers. The question isn’t just one of financial fit, however; it’s about performance. Given Montembeault’s struggles this year, is he truly a guaranteed upgrade over a slumping Skinner? I believe he is, especially in a change of scenery. Montembeault has proven in the past he can hold the fort; the high-octane offense in front of him in Edmonton could allow him to settle into a more confidence-boosting role.
My personal insight here is that this deal only happens if two major conditions are met. First, the Montreal Canadiens must fall out of the playoff picture entirely, and their recent string of injuries makes that a distinct possibility. If they become a clear seller, moving a piece like Montembeault for future assets makes sense for their rebuild timeline. Second, Montembeault must show a distinct improvement in his play leading up to the NHL trade deadline to boost his value beyond a mid-round draft pick. If both scenarios align, a deal sending Sam Montembeault to the Edmonton Oilers to create a deeper, more reliable goaltending duo is a realistic outcome that could significantly impact the Western Conference playoff race. It’s a rumor worth monitoring closely.
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The post The Crease Crisis: Will the Canadiens Trade Sam Montembeault to the Edmonton Oilers? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
