Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The news is not good for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault. For the very first time in a long while, Kent Hughes has officially changed his tone.
Kent Hughes clarified the situation in net during a recent public appearance, and he no longer says that Montembeault is his number one goaltender.
The general manager stated that head coach Martin St-Louis will simply use the goalie who gives the team the best chance to win each night.
Hearing that statement confirms that the usual hierarchy no longer exists within the Canadiens organization.
Jakub Dobes is quietly establishing himself as a very stable option in goal, and Jacob Fowler is also drawing a lot of attention since his arrival.
His recent performances show a real ability to contribute immediately to the Canadiens’ success.
Has Samuel Montembeault played his last game in a Canadiens uniform?
Seeing the two other goaltenders meet expectations seriously complicates any potential return to the rotation for Montembeault.
The Montreal Canadiens organization no longer seems willing to automatically give him the start, and I repeat, Kent Hughes’ tone has just changed.
Such a scenario seemed completely unthinkable just a few weeks ago, when Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were repeating that they had full confidence in their guy (Montembeault).
The veteran Quebec-born goalie is very likely to watch the rest of the regular season from the press box.
Accepting this new role will require great character from the goaltender from Bécancour, but we know how much of a great person he is.
Samuel Montembeault, 29, has recorded 10 wins in 25 games this season. He is a 6-foot-3 goaltender who was a 3rd-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2015.
Jakub Dobes, 24, has recorded 22 wins in 33 games this season. He is a 6-foot-5 goaltender who was a 5th-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2020.
Jacob Fowler, 21, has recorded 6 wins in 13 games this season. He is a 6-foot-2 goaltender who was a 3rd-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2023.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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All signs point to Samuel Montembeault having played his last game in a Canadiens uniform
Has Samuel Montembeault played his last game in a Canadiens uniform in your opinion?