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Sam Montembeault's injury may force crucial goalie decision for Montreal Canadiens

Montreal's goaltending picture could shift quickly as Jakub Dobeš struggles and Jacob Fowler waits in the wings
ByJacob Tye
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Nov 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Dallas Stars at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Nov 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Dallas Stars at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

During Wednesday's practice, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault appears to have suffered a non-contact injury to his right leg. 

The 29-year-old was able to skate off the ice under his own power, but he was unable to put much pressure on his right leg and had a notable limp as he left. His injury status is expected to be revealed later today.

Montreal Canadiens might have a chance to bring Jacob Fowler up from Laval

Should Montembeault be forced to miss time, it would likely give Montreal another extended look at Jacob Fowler. The 21-year-old, a third-round pick in 2023, has been a fast riser in the Canadiens' prospect pipeline after posting spectacular numbers through his junior career and into his pro career with Montreal and its AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. 

This season, Fowler has started two games and been stellar once again, going 1-1-0 with a 1.53 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage. When he was up with Montreal last season, he was fairly solid as well, posting a 9-6-2 record with a promising 2.43 GAA and a .908 save percentage.

Before Jakub Dobeš finished last season and the playoffs the way he did, some believed Fowler would contend for the starting job outright and he could apply that pressure once again. Dobeš had a rough outing in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, making 27 saves but allowing five goals. Over his past two starts, against the Penguins and the Hurricanes, the 25-year-old, a fifth-round pick in 2020, has allowed 11 goals, which has drawn some concern.

With tougher offenses on the road ahead, it raises the question of whether Fowler could come up, look impressive again while Dobeš falters, and force a change in the crease this early in the season. The Habs have some easier matchups coming against the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings, but next week brings a tough slate with a game against the Washington Capitals and two against the Buffalo Sabres.

Fowler has allowed three or more goals in just seven of his 17 NHL regular season starts. If his play can't be denied, Montreal could see a surprisingly quick change between the pipes.

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