The 2024-2025 NHL season is underway, and Samuel Montembeault starts this new year as the number one goalie for the Montreal Canadiens.
A native of Bécancour, he was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the third round in 2015.
After playing only 25 games in Florida, he got a second chance when the Canadiens claimed him off waivers in October 2021.
Since then, Montembeault has carved out a significant role within the Montreal team.
With Carey Price's injury and Jake Allen's departure, Montembeault has become a reliable option in goal for the Habs.
Samuel Montembeault breaks his silence on internal competition with Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler and Cayden Primeau
Although the club has several promising young goaltenders like Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, who are vying for their spot in the coming years, Samuel remains focused on his own role. He admits that the competition with these young talents can sometimes 'sting,' but it only strengthens his determination to remain the team's primary goaltender.
"Yes, that might sting a bit."- Monty on the competition with other goalies
Montembeault, who just signed a $9.45 million contract over three years, stays grounded. He knows every game is a challenge, and his goal remains simple: help the team qualify for the playoffs and stay competitive throughout the season.
He is ready to fight to keep his spot in net and pursue his dream of guarding the crease for the Montreal Canadiens.
If you ask me, Montembeault absolutely deserves this number one position, and he fully deserves to be given the 'spotlight' 100%.
I believe he will always be superior to Cayden Primeau, even though Primeau is younger and may seem to have higher potential. (just like Jakub Dobes, for that matter)
