Montreal Canadiens fans are watching the team’s goaltending situation with increasing intensity. What began as an expectation that Sam Montembeault would lead the way in net has evolved into a competition fueled by the strong performances of both Jakub Dobes and, more recently, Jacob Fowler. The question now isn’t simply who starts, but whether the Canadiens will opt to trade Montembeault before the March 6th trade deadline, a decision complicated by Fowler’s impressive play in the American Hockey League.
The Canadiens entered the season banking on Montembeault, coming off a strong previous season. However, inconsistency has plagued his performance this year, opening the door for Dobes and Fowler to challenge for playing time. Dobes has seized the opportunity, posting an 8-0-1 record over his last nine starts, demonstrating a level of consistency that has earned him the starting role. Meanwhile, Fowler, drafted in the 5th round in 2020, is making a compelling case from the AHL, forcing the organization to consider its options.
Dobes Earns the Net
Jakub Dobes’ recent run has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the beginning of January, he’s gone 6-0-1, allowing three or fewer goals in five of those seven games. This stretch of strong play has solidified his position as the current starter, a testament to his dedication, and skill. According to multiple observers, including Stu Cowan, Dobes is now firmly established as the team’s number one goaltender. “Jakub Dobes is now 8-0-1 in his last nine games. I think it’s safe to say he’s team’s No. 1 goalie now,” Cowan stated.
Fowler’s Ascent in Laval
While Dobes has secured the NHL starting role for now, the performance of Jacob Fowler in the AHL is adding another layer of complexity to the situation. After being sent down to the Laval Rocket, Fowler has responded with a dominant stretch of his own. He’s posted an 8-2 record in 10 starts, boasting a save percentage of .910 and allowing two or fewer goals in five of his last six games. This impressive run of form is making it increasingly difficult for the Canadiens to ignore his potential.
The Trade Deadline Dilemma
The Canadiens face a critical decision in the coming weeks. With three games remaining before the March 6th trade deadline, the team has limited opportunity to further evaluate its goaltending situation. They must weigh the benefits of keeping Montembeault, who has one year remaining on his contract with a $3.125 million average annual value (AAV), against the potential of giving more opportunities to Dobes and Fowler. Montembeault’s experience and established NHL presence are valuable, but his inconsistency raises questions about his long-term fit with the team’s plans. Trading him could potentially bring back valuable assets, but it would also leave the Canadiens with two relatively inexperienced goaltenders in Dobes, who has appeared in only three NHL games, and Fowler, who has yet to make his NHL debut.
If the Canadiens choose not to trade Montembeault, managing the goaltending rotation will become a significant challenge. Ensuring that all three goalies receive adequate playing time without allowing anyone to get rusty will require careful planning and execution from the coaching staff. The team must also consider the potential impact on team morale and chemistry.
Samuel Montembeault has demonstrated exemplary professionalism throughout this competition, offering sincere congratulations to Dobes after his recent successes. This display of sportsmanship, highlighted by footage of Montembeault greeting Dobes as he came off the ice, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the team. It’s a reminder that even in the fiercely competitive world of professional sports, respect and camaraderie can still prevail.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Montreal Canadiens as they navigate this complex goaltending situation. The team’s decision at the trade deadline will have significant implications for its future, and fans will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds. The performance of both Dobes and Fowler will be under intense scrutiny, as will the team’s overall strategy for building a competitive roster.
The Canadiens’ next game is February 17th against the Minnesota Wild, a tough matchup against a strong opponent. This game, along with the two that follow before the trade deadline, will provide valuable insights into the team’s goaltending situation and help inform its decision-making process.
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