All signs point to Samuel Montembeault’s tenure in the Montreal Canadiens’ crease drawing to a sudden close. If you’ve been paying attention to the recent roster moves, the writing isn’t just on the wall, it’s in bold, flashing neon lights. Youngster Jacob Fowler has officially been called back up to the big club. But here is the kicker that every Habs fan needs to understand right now: this is absolutely not an emergency call-up.
Both Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes are completely healthy. Fowler isn’t in Montreal to fill in for an injured player; he’s there to take a job. Earlier this season, Fowler enjoyed a ten-game cameo where he proved he belonged, posting a solid .902 save percentage, a 2.62 goals-against average, and a shutout. The 21-year-old phenom is poised beyond his years, showcasing elite technical skills and the mental toughness required to survive the pressure cooker that is the Bell Centre. By calling him up now, management is loudly signaling a changing of the guard, officially putting Montembeault on the trade block for this upcoming offseason.
Analyzing Samuel Montembeault’s Struggles and the Rise of Jacob Fowler
As an NHL analyst, I’ve watched the Montreal Canadiens’ crease dynamic shift dramatically over the past few months. Samuel Montembeault, now 29 and in his fifth year with Montreal, is struggling profoundly. The numbers don’t lie: an .873 Sv% and a bloated 3.43 GAA this season are simply not starting-caliber metrics in today’s NHL. He has dropped four of his last five starts, punctuated by a disastrous five-goal debacle against the Anaheim Ducks last week. When a veteran goalie starts leaking goals against rebuilding teams, the front office has no choice but to look at their pipeline.
And what a pipeline it is. Down in Laval, Fowler has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a .916 Sv%, a 2.23 GAA, and a remarkable 19-7-1 record with three shutouts. NHL insider Marco D’Amico hit the nail on the head recently on the Starr & D’Amico Show. “I think it is very clear that the Canadiens do not have the confidence in Samuel Montembeault’s game,” D’Amico stated. “I think Jacob Fowler is gonna run away with this if given the opportunity.”
Jakub Dobes and the Future of the Montreal Canadiens Crease
With Fowler ascending, we also have to look at Jakub Dobes. D’Amico noted that Dobes is, at worst, a 1B option moving forward, if not a 1A. When you have two young, highly capable goaltenders ready to make the leap, keeping a struggling veteran on the books makes zero sense. D’Amico summarized it perfectly: “What this spells to me, is that I do not believe that Samuel Montembeault will be a Montréal Canadien next training camp.” Expect Canadiens GM Kent Hughes to aggressively shop Montembeault this offseason. A change of scenery could do wonders for the veteran, but his chapter in Montreal is closing fast.
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