PUBLICATION
Leo Honein
December 25, 2025Â Â (6:08 PM)
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Samuel Montembeault has not yet been reactivated, and it’s sparking discussion. Sent to the Laval Rocket for a conditioning stint, the Montreal Canadiens goaltender played two games last week.
He posted a goals-against average of 2.53 and a save percentage of 0.904. Despite that, he did not earn a win in the American Hockey League. Assigned on December 16, Montembeault has still not been reactivated in the NHL.
This detail keeps the door open to a longer stay in Laval.
A confirmation for Samuel Montembeault and an extension of his stay with the Laval Rocket?
The detail that’s drawing attention is his eligibility to play two more games in the AHL as long as he is not activated.
The Rocket host the Syracuse Crunch on December 27 and 28. It’s a simple opportunity to give him ice time, without turning the situation into a daily soap opera every morning.
The presence of Jacob Fowler complicates the equation, because the young goaltender is enjoying an excellent stretch in the NHL. The Canadiens want to use him at the right time, without pulling the rug out from under him.
At the same time, Montembeault must stay ready to contribute if the door opens in Montreal. Kent Hughes will have to make a decision quickly. Either Montembeault is reactivated and reintegrated, or he returns to Laval to get meaningful starts.
In both cases, it’s likely to get people talking, especially since the plan was technically to bring Samuel Montembeault back this past Sunday!
And if it were your decision, what would you do with the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltenders to finish the year?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
3 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 200 ANSWERS
The plan with Samuel Montembeault could change again due to the play of Fowler and Dobes
Should Montembeault stay with the Laval Rocket?