Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
We have a very interesting development regarding a trade explored by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens in goal.
David Pagnotta reports that the Montreal Canadiens were among the teams interested in acquiring Sergei Bobrovsky. In fact, Kent Hughes was outright among the finalists to land Bobrovsky!
The Carolina Hurricanes, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Montreal Canadiens were the three finalists in this specific case.
Kent Hughes is constantly evaluating options available on the market to improve his roster, but we now understand that he pushed much harder than expected to acquire a goaltender about two weeks ago.
Adding a high-quality veteran would have immediately stabilized the goaltending position, and it likely would have marked the end of Samuel Montembeault’s tenure with the Canadiens. He would almost certainly have been part of the trade.
Still, making that attempt clearly shows the serious intentions of the Canadiens’ general manager regarding the goaltending situation.
Canadiens turn to Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes after Sergei Bobrovsky trade push
Entrusting the playoff race to Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler represents a challenge, but they have performed very well so far.
Without a major trade, the club will ultimately rely on internal development to finish the season as evidenced by Fowler’s call-up.
Finishing the regular season strong now rests on the shoulders of these young netminders.
Samuel Montembeault, 29, has 10 wins in 25 games this season. He is a 6-foot-3 goaltender selected in the 3rd round by the Florida Panthers in 2015.
Jakub Dobes, 24, has 24 wins in 36 games this season. He is a 6-foot-5 goaltender selected in the 5th round by the Montreal Canadiens in 2020.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens reportedly came close to acquiring Sergei Bobrovsky before the trade deadline
Which one will play the first playoff game, in your opinion?