September 19, 2026 • 12:03 PM EDT
Updated 8 seconds ago
Samuel Montembeault wants you to know he’s wiped last season clean from his mind. During his first press conference since the Montreal Canadiens opened camp, the former number one goalie made it clear—having a newborn puts things into perspective. Hockey isn’t his whole world anymore, and that’s helped him put last year’s struggles in the rearview mirror. Still, his competitive fire hasn’t cooled off. Instead of dwelling on the playoff benching, Montembeault spent the summer staying sharp, determined to keep building on his foundation rather than letting doubt creep in.
Now, the challenge is all about confidence. That’s why training with Team B could be a blessing. He’s not staring down the team’s best shooters every day. With spirits high after a strong summer’s work, Montembeault sounds relaxed and ready. Per Yahoo Sports, Montembeault said he only let in two goals during practice and doesn’t want to get ahead of himself thinking about the season.
He’s not pretending the pressure isn’t there, either. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has publically said he’ll start camp with three goalies but won’t carry them all into the season. Instead of worrying about what that means for his future, Montembeault is keeping it simple: put in the work now, let management figure out the rest. You have to earn your spot, and no one’s handing out jobs after a rough year like last season. Montembeault admitted, “It comes back to what I said: I don’t want to think ahead to when the season will start. We still have a couple of weeks before then, so I want to work, try to do things the right way and give myself the best odds. I’ve got a role to earn; we know that last year it didn’t go well. So it’s a new start; I want to come to work and do things the right way.” His focus on the present, not the rumors about trades or team politics, is the smart way forward.
- The Canadiens are carrying three goaltenders for now, but that’s temporary—management wants answers before the season starts.
- Montembeault is training away from Montreal’s top offensive players, helping him regain confidence after a tough season.
- Job competition is fierce, with prospects like Jacob Fowler waiting in the wings.
- GM Kent Hughes’ comments about carrying three goalies spark speculation about possible moves, with Montembeault in the spotlight.
- Upcoming preseason tests against Toronto’s A-team will provide a major measuring stick for Montembeault’s readiness.
Why This Matters for Bettors
Montembeault’s mental and physical reset is big news for any Canadiens backer or total bettor eyeing the team early in the season. If he regains form, Montreal’s goaltending outlook—and their odds—improve dramatically. A confident, focused Montembeault means fewer shaky goals and maybe more unders hitting if he gets hot.
But the goalie battle isn’t just about statistics. The front office’s plan to trim the crease from three to two goalies means someone is moving. Because Jacob Fowler doesn’t require waivers to be sent to Laval, that’s the easy call, but the Habs could move Montembeault if there’s a deal. Trade speculation adds a wrinkle: sharp bettors will track rumors and preseason output. If Montembeault shines, you might see noise around his trade value go up.
Upcoming Preseason Test in Toronto
Montembeault’s next outing will be a real test—he’s expected to face Toronto’s top line, including big names like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and rising stars. Sure, that’s a step up from the Canadiens’ own bottom six, but it’s the ideal way to see if Montembeault’s new mindset and preparation are for real. And the good news for him? The game isn’t in Montreal, meaning less distraction and more focus.
Trade Watch and What Comes Next
With preseason games offering the last real showcase before tough roster decisions, every performance becomes more valuable. Hockey insiders, like Frank Seravalli on Jason Gregor’s podcast, have already floated Montembeault’s name as a likely early-season trade candidate. If Montreal decides to move on and give Fowler more NHL runs, Montembeault could soon be wearing a new sweater and looking to rebuild his value as a No. 1 elsewhere. For those targeting props, season win totals, or goalie matchups, keep a tight watch on these next few contests.
Key Developments So Far
- Montembeault has embraced fatherhood and let go of last season’s disappointment.
- He’s rebuilt confidence by facing less pressure in camp and focusing on incremental progress.
- Management is openly juggling goalie options for the opener, keeping everyone on edge.
- Preseason games against high-powered teams will be critical for Montembeault’s stock.
- Trade chatter around Montembeault is real and will only intensify if he puts up quality performances.
Key Takeaways
- Montembeault has mentally reset and is locked in for a crucial training camp battle.
- The Canadiens’ goalie situation is unstable, so expect big lineup moves soon.
- Betting value on Montreal hinges on clear-cutting the crease, making camp developments must-watch.
- Montembeault’s preseason performances will shape his future, both in Montreal and in NHL trade markets.
- Sharp bettors should monitor goalie deployment and management comments for early gambling edges.
- Preseason results against Toronto’s top skaters will be telling for Montembeault’s season outlook.
- Trade rumors are heating up—stick close to the news if you’re betting futures or props.
- If Montembeault finds his groove, the under could become more appealing in Habs games.
More coverage: latest NHL news, NHL analysis and odds and today’s NHL picks.
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