Samuel Montembeault's usage a precursor to something more?

It has become crystal clear that the Montreal Canadiens have very little confidence in e abilities of goaltender Cayden Primeau.

The Canadiens played a home-and-home against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night and the next night. Presumably one of the games would feature Primeau between the pipes, but Samuel Montembeault made both starts instead. This was an original six matchup and you have to think that one stings for Primeau.

If there wasn't a message sent from not getting a start during the two-game series against the Red Wings, the Habs next decision did. Montembeault started the last Habs game before the Christmas Holidays. On Monday night, Montembeault and the Canadiens dropped the game 5-4 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

I don't necessarily think that Montembeault is showing any fatigue, but Kent Hughes and Co. will need to steer clear of that. Unfortunately, they are currently riding with Montembeault, and over time this could wear him down. I think the Alexandre Carrier acquisition means the team wants to make a playoff push now, so a backup is crucial.

If Primeau isn't cutting it, which feels like is the case then Hughes needs to figure something out. It isn't a distraction right now, but I have to think that Primeau isn't feeling very confident. With such a poor season, he has all the time to sit and think.

Hughes will certainly do his due diligence, and at this point, Primeau hasn't requested a trade, but something has to give. I don't expect that any good will come from refusing to start him, but not putting him on waivers. Either a trade after Christmas or a callup from the Laval Rocket feels necessary.

You need a tandem during the playoffs, and Primeau unquestionably doesn't have the support of the organization to step in if Montembeault needs it.

Development comes first

The approach with players in Laval needs to be slow and steady, and while some guys have played NHL games, the long game seems to be most appealing to Hughes. Owen Beck and Joshua Roy are probably pretty close to being ready to play in the NHL permanently, but playing big minutes for the Rocket is a smart approach. Logan Mailloux is another example, though he is still raw defensively, he has high potential.

So, if management, both in Laval and Montreal have a primary focus on developing players the right way, then the goalies are staying put. Goaltenders are infamous for taking a little bit longer than any other position to reach their potential. Often they don't hit their stride until 25, so Jakub Dobes and Luke Cavallin are out of the question.

Connor Hughes is another option, however, at 28 years old, I am not convinced that he is the guy who the Habs will rely on. Bringing in a goalie would be a wise decision for the organization going forward. it isn't ideal to do so and not make it, but not having a reliable backup goaltender hurts the team.