Samuel Montembeault. David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Canadiens alter goaltending plan before game vs. Penguins

By Manuel Meza | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 4:46 PM ET

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault spent the past few days on loan to the Laval Rocket. The Quebec-born player had been assigned to the AHL for a conditioning loan, but something changed since then.

Montembeault lost both of his starts against the Cleveland Monsters this week, allowing a total of five goals on 52 shots he faced during his time with the Canadiens' affiliate. He did, however, look sharp in the crease, making some important saves to keep Laval in each game.

When Montembeault was sent down to the AHL, Montreal stated that No. 35 would rejoin his teammates in Pittsburgh ahead of Sunday's game against the Penguins.

However, according to TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie, the Canadiens have changed their plan regarding their goaltender.

Samuel Montembeault came back to Laval with the Rocket last night. He will have a couple of practices in Brossard tomorrow and Tuesday. With Jakub Dobes probably getting the start tonight and Jacob Fowler probably Tuesday, all parties involved believe its better for Samuel…
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 21, 2025

Instead of rejoining the team on the road, Montembeault will instead remain in Brossard to train with Laval Rocket goaltending coach Marco Marciano on Monday and Tuesday.

Canadiens look to Samuel Montembeault for stability in net

Nevertheless, it is important to note that the 29-year-old goaltender should, barring a major reversal, be part of the next road trip, when the Canadiens fly to the southern United States after Christmas.

It is rather surprising that Montreal's management changed its decision regarding Montembeault, especially since he could have started for the Canadiens on Tuesday night against the Boston Bruins.

His return to the lineup may be due to the coaching staff's search for stability in goal. His positioning and rebound control can help Fowler by giving him the proper time to adapt to the NHL pace.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Jacob Fowler when the Quebec-born goaltender is officially recalled to the team. This goaltending situation will certainly be one to monitor after the holiday break.

Manuel Meza

Manuel Meza is a sports journalist specializing in soccer (MLS, Liga MX, European leagues) and the NHL. With a writing career launched in 2020, he has contributed to industry leaders like Sports Illustrated, GRV Media, and Roundtable Sports. He is dedicated to providing news and analysis for Yardbarker's audience.

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