The Montreal Canadiens' impressive run to the Eastern Conference Final generated significant optimism for the franchise's future. However, their postseason exit has now shifted the organization's focus to the offseason. One of the biggest discussion points revolves around the team's goaltending situation and where veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault fits in moving forward.
Montembeault's Uncertain Role
Montreal received solid contributions from multiple facets of the roster throughout the season, but the emergence of younger goaltenders has created fresh competition. There has been considerable speculation in NHL circles as management weighs its options regarding Montembeault's role. The Montreal Canadiens are still trying to determine where Montembeault fits in their goaltending depth chart for the future ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Latest NHL insider reports suggest Montreal could be on the verge of a net transition. Montembeault entered the season knowing he would have a heavy workload, but that certainty became less assured as the season progressed. The veteran played in 25 regular-season games, posting a 3.43 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage.
Dobes Emerges as Future Option
Those numbers opened the door for other goalies in the organization to receive bigger opportunities, raising questions about how the Canadiens will build their roster next season. Jakub Dobes made his case as a future piece of Montreal's success with consistent performances throughout the season. The young netminder played in 43 games, finishing with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. He was able to take on a larger workload, which provided stability for the Canadiens and helped establish him as a reliable option going forward.
Dobes' development is viewed as one of the organization's most promising storylines and could factor into future roster decisions. The prospect was impressive during his NHL stints, going 2-1 with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 17 games.
Offseason Decisions Ahead
One of the biggest NHL storylines involving the organization in the coming weeks will be how it integrates Samuel Montembeault into its shifting plans as the offseason continues. The Canadiens must decide whether to keep Montembeault as a mentor or move on to younger options like Dobes, who has shown he can handle a starter's workload. With the 2026-27 season on the horizon, Montreal's goaltending depth chart remains fluid, and the veteran netminder's future with the team is far from certain.
