Canadiens Notes: Decisions in Goal

As training camp approaches for the 2026–27 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens face an important decision in goal. Jakub Dobes, Samuel Montembeault, and Jacob Fowler all earned regular starts last season.

With his new three‑year extension beginning in 2027–28, Dobes earned the first opportunity to claim the starter’s net.The 25-year-old grabbed the team’s number one role in March and led the Canadiens through the final stretch of the regular season and all the way to the Eastern Conference Final. In 19 postseason appearances, he had 9-10 record, 2.66 goals against average and .908 save percentage.

More Development Time?

The dilemma is about identifying the second netminder. If you remove the business side out of the equation, the answer is simple. Fowler backed up Dobes to end the regular season and throughout the playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final. The reality is that the business side can’t be separated from the decision.

From March onwards, the Canadiens pulled the plug on Monteambeault’s season. In his final six starts, he had 2-2-2 record, 3.64 goals against average, and .867 save percentage. Those numbers do not inspire confidence in the coaching staff or his teammates.

“The fact that I wasn’t in the lineup gave me a lot more time after every morning skate and practice. I was often on the bike with our strength coach, and we were working hard. It allowed me to get back into great shape. Since I didn’t play again, it’s as if summer training had already started,” Montembeault said at the end of season media availability.

Meanwhile, Fowler delivered a strong first pro season, splitting time between the Rocket and the Habs. Management needs to decide whether the NHL is the best place for Fowler’s development to start the season or the AHL. If the answer is the NHL, Kent Hughes needs to find a new home for Montembeault.

Montembeault’s trade value is clearly not at its peak right now. He is starting the final year of a contract worth $3.15 million. A couple of good starts will certainly increase the odds of finding a new home for the goalie. The odds of placing Montembeault on waivers for assignment to Laval are slim.

The next step depends on Fowler’s development plan. If management believes he’s ready for full‑time NHL work, Montembeault’s future becomes the next item on the agenda.