John Shannon ruffles Montreal Canadiens’ feathers

Samuel Montembeault has proven to be the Montreal Canadiens starting goaltender and one of the top Canadian puck-stoppers in the National Hockey League.

There may be an argument between fans and non-fans, but it's hard to challenge how well Montembeault has played. Especially when you consider that the Habs' defence is still quite young and the Habs are rebuilding. Montreal has been far from perfect, but there is a massive difference in play between Montembeault and Cayden Primeau.

Maybe it isn't a great argument, because Primeau has been flat-out bad this year. But Montembeault has been so good, that Habs management hasn't been on high alert for an upgrade in their backup role. Montembeault could need a break further on down the road, but as we speak he has taken the starts in stride.

Montembeault has been impressive and Hockey Canada took notice because of it. That makes John Shannon's recent comments, where misconstrued of not, a little bit insulting. Suggesting that he was only selected to fill a quota for Quebec-born players on the roster isn't a great look.

Montembeault isn't one of the elite NHL goaltenders, but that list doesn't include any Canadian-born goaltenders. On top of that, I think that Montembeault is right there with Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill, though they both have Stanley Cup rings. But if we're talking about guys who are playing strong right now, Montembeault is in the conversation.

Montreal, in my opinion, would be in a world of trouble if not for Montembeault's stellar play this season. He keeps them in games many nights and he makes one or two saves each game that get you out of your seat. When the Habs need their goalie to be at his best, he often answers the bell.

With so much weight on his shoulders, he handles it all so well. And his past success with Hockey Canada at the World Championship in 2022-2023 has to factor in. A gold medal winning 6-1-0 record for Monty had him voted as one of his country's top three players.

Team Canada starting role is on Monty's radar

With Monty playing well for the Habs, his focus is undoubtedly on keeping that trend going. But his secondary focus is to grab the starting role for his country and keep things rolling. Coming off of a gold medal-clinching tournament at the World Championships in 2022-2023, he is confident.

From waiver wire pickup to Habs' number one goalie and a selection for the 4 Nations Canadian roster, Monty has come a long way. His competition between the pipes are both Stanley Cup winners, but he doesn't seem fazed by it. If anything it will help him grow his confidence, if he does secure the starter role.

Time will tell how things unfold, but Monty is intent on taking his spot and not letting it go.