The Montreal Canadiens have a massive problem between the pipes, and waiting it out is no longer a luxury they can afford. While Pierre LeBrun suggests the Habs might try to hold off until the March 6th deadline, hoping Sam Montembeault finds his form or that rookie Jacob Fowler provides a spark, the reality on the ice tells a different story.
This isn’t just a slump; it’s a systemic issue threatening to derail the season. If you are looking for the bottom line: The current tandem isn’t working, and a trade is likely the only way to save the playoff push.
Analyzing the Risk: Fowler, Montembeault, and the Trade Market
Here is my take as someone who watches the shifts, not just the highlights. Relying on Jacob Fowler right now is a dangerous game. Yes, the kid is a winner—he proved that in the NCAA and the AHL. But he just turned 21. Throwing him to the wolves because the veterans can’t make a save is how you shatter a prospect’s confidence before his career truly begins. His debut was stellar, but the 5-goal shelling by the Rangers proved he isn’t a magical band-aid.
The uncomfortable truth is that Sam Montembeault hasn’t looked like a starter all season. We all love Monty’s story, but in this league, you need a .905 save percentage minimum to be competitive, and he isn’t giving them that. Jakub Dobes started hot but crashed back to earth.
If the Canadiens are serious about the playoffs, they need to look at the Edmonton Oilers’ playbook—moving a struggling starter (like the Skinner deal) to find stability. This brings us to the rumors surrounding Jordan Binnington. Is he an upgrade? Arguably. But he brings baggage.
Personally, I think GM Kent Hughes has to pull the trigger on a move involving Montembeault for cap purposes. It hurts to trade a guy signed long-term, but you cannot waste this core’s prime years on sub-.890 goaltending. Whether it’s a change of scenery for Binnington or finding a hidden gem elsewhere, the status quo is a recipe for an early golf season.
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The post Montreal Canadiens Goalie Nightmare: Why a Trade Feels Inevitable appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
