Montreal Canadiens: Options For The Habs Goaltender Of The Future

The Montreal Canadiens had long been spoiled with an elite starting goaltender. Carey Price manned the crease for years and did so with his trademark calm, poised demeanour. But his career has seemingly come to a close since bowing out at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

Without an established number-one goaltender patrolling the crease, it begs the question, who will be the next great Canadiens goaltender? Or, at the very least, who will be the next long-term starter that can help the team reach the postseason and win some playoff games?

Montembeault has done his best, and at this juncture seems to be the best bet to hold the role for the foreseeable future. But is he really a long term starting goalie of a rebuilt team, or just a stopgap option for a rebuilding team? His .901 save percentage from last season was a career high, so the 26 year old has a long way to go before he locks himself in as the starter of the future. He also needs a new contract a year from now, so he is not guaranteed to be here beyond the 2023-24 season.

Cayden Primeau is yet to prove that he can be a reliable netminder at the pro level. He has had ups and downs in the AHL but has not performed well in his several chances in the NHL.

There are a couple of prospects selected in recent drafts, that are options. Goaltending is a finicky position at the best of times, as we recently saw Jacob Markstrom go from Vezina finalist to struggling overpaid goaltender in one offseason.

So, which prospects stands out, and who has the poise and highest potential to take the reigns in the future and hold such a crucial role?

Here are three options for the Canadiens’ potential number-one starter of the future.