Do the Montreal Canadiens Need a Backup Goalie Right Now?

The Montreal Canadiens are currently playing some excellent hockey. If you look around the league, this young Canadiens team is one of the hottest teams taking to the ice. With that being said, teams like Montreal are always on the prowl for upgrades. More specifically, a backup goalie.

We all know Sam Montembeault is the starting goalie for the Montreal Canadiens. However, the backup goalie is in flux. Many thought Cayden Primeau would have been that guy. However, his season has not gone the way many thought it would. Himself included. Thus, Primeau was sent to the minors as the team called up Jakub Dobeš.

While it is only one game, the kid performed at a high level with a 34-save shutout in his first NHL game. That is quite impressive for a franchise with a great history like the Canadiens. Dobeš played a crucial role in the Canadiens sweep of the Florida double against the defending champs, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. However, there are still questions surrounding the goalie position.

However, Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period suggested on TSN Radio in Montreal that right now might not be the time for the Montreal Canadiens to chase a veteran backup goalie. Instead, he suggests rolling with what you have in Dobeš and Montembeault.

No, I think they certainly want to see how this is going to work out and play out. With (Cayden) Primeau having cleared waivers, and now gets the opportunity to play a little bit more consistently. I would imagine, in Laval, your roll with kind of with what you’ve got there. I don’t think the Canadiens need to be in a position where they go out and get a veteran backup.

Again, part of the rebuilding process, you want to see some of these younger guys getting more minutes. You certainly want to see (Sam) Montembeault playing more consistently. But at the same time, because of the position you’re in, you can kind of afford to let the younger kid kind of come in and gain more experience. You don’t need to go after and give up assets in order to bring in a veteran presence as a backup, not at this stage anyway.”- Full Press Hockey Transcriptions.

Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens Fill Need with Acquisition of Alexandre Carrier

Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk is Not Leaving the Ottawa Senators

Toronto Maple Leafs: What Will John Tavares Make on His Next Contract?

This is a similar sentiment to what Jared Book of Habs on the Prize told Full Press Hockey over the summer when he was asked if the Montreal Canadiens needed a veteran backup goalie for Montembeault.

“I think that they’re happy with the goaltending they have,” Book said. “They don’t really have much invested in there. Like Montembeault, even if they add somebody else, he’s making under $4 million; that’s 1B money. But I think that they’re perfectly happy with that tandem. “So I don’t think there’s an expectation to have to add, like a big star goaltender.”

Similar to Pagnotta, Book believed the answer could be in the farm system. Not only do the Canadiens have Dobeš, but they also have Jacob Fowler coming as well. So, is there a need to add a player that will cost you assets? At this point, probably not. That is why they didn’t go and get Yaroslav Askarov when he was available.

The Canadiens, as Full Press Hockey has documented, are building towards next season. However, when the expectations go higher next season or if the position lets them down, then there is a scenario where the Montreal Canadiens could add a veteran backup goalie.

 I think that they’ll go a route where, if they have to add, maybe the veteran presence behind Montembeault or alongside Montembeault, they can. I think they’re perfectly fine for where they are,” Book said. “But if the goaltending lets them down, then that’s a place that they have to improve if they want to take the next step. But for right now, I think it’s fine. I think they have faith that Samuel Montembeault will be the goaltender that takes them to the playoffs, maybe not lead them to a cup, necessarily. But I think that it’s fine.”

Management believes they have the backup goalie in the system. It will be interesting to see how this scenario plays out moving forward with the Montreal Canadiens. 

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? We are posting weekly podcasts, hot takes, and rumors from around the NHL. Come along for the ride.