The Montreal Canadiens have announced their starting goaltending duo for the 2026-27 season. They will be going with the tandem of Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault. When last season ended, many believed Montembeault would no longer be on the roster, especially with Jacob Fowler emerging as an NHL-ready goalie. Montembeault played his way out of being traded, having a 3.43 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage last season, but came into training camp with something to prove. In parts of two preseason games, Montembeault stopped all 27 shots he faced, winning the battle against Fowler for the backup job. It is not a knock on Fowler, but it is actually what is best for his development. Fowler is just 21, and he needs to play regularly. This is exactly why he should start the season with the Laval Rocket.
Fowler needs to play
The Canadiens made it clear at the start of training camp that they would not carry three goalies again this season. That just complicated the crease and would likely stunt Fowler’s development. Everyone understands that Montembeault’s performance last year was not his best. However, he should be given the benefit of the doubt considering his track record. In 2025-26, Montembeault was on top of the world. He was the team’s starting goalie, helping them make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. He had a 2.80 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage, and his play also earned him recognition from Team Canada, as he was named to its Four Nations Face-Off roster. Now, back to this upcoming season, Montembeault just needed to show a glimpse of his 2025-26 form during the preseason to get the first chance at keeping his spot on the Canadiens roster. And that is exactly what he did. For Fowler, this might be the best-case scenario.
Without question, the Canadiens goaltending tandem of the future is Dobes and Fowler, and this move does not change that. Montembeault is in the final year of his contract, and it would be a shocking development if they were going to extend him past this season. With Montembeault hopefully back to his best, it gives the Canadiens the luxury of having Fowler back in Laval playing regularly. Fowler is viewed around the NHL as one of the best goalie prospects, and having him sit on the bench will not do him any good. In Laval, he will be the unquestioned starting goalie. You can work on things in practice to improve, but for a goalie, the best thing for his development is playing games. With the Canadiens, a poor start could have him sitting for a couple of games, but in Laval he will be able to work through his mistakes to improve.
Chance to raise Montembeault’s trade value
Just because Montembeault is starting the season with the Canadiens does not guarantee that by the end of the season he will be. He is on an expiring deal, and if a team makes a competitive offer, it would be in the Canadiens' best interest to consider it before they lose him for nothing in free agency. This would give Fowler a chance to play regularly before being called up later in the season, a similar situation to what happened last year. Montembeault proved in his preseason performances that he gives the Canadiens the best chance to win right now, and if that raises his trade value, that is just a bonus.
There are goalie situations around the league that Habs fans should pay attention to. The Winnipeg Jets still do not know what will happen with three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Connor Hellebuyck. The Edmonton Oilers still have goalie issues even after bringing in both Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi. If they falter, they could be in the market for another goalie. If Montembeault starts the season hot, it would be unsurprising if the Canadiens decide to cash in on his value.
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