The cold glow of the Bell Centre’s spotlights cuts through the December darkness, illuminating Samuel Montembeault as he glides onto the ice, first from his team, his silhouette sharp against the roaring Montreal crowd. His mask gleams, his posture determined, yet beneath the surface, an invisible storm churns—a season that began with hope now tangled in doubt and speculation. On this night, every eye is fixed on Montembeault, searching for answers in the way he stretches, how he watches the puck, and the quiet tension in his movements.

It’s a scene familiar to Canadiens fans, yet this time, something is unmistakably different. The starting goalie, once a pillar of quiet confidence, now carries the weight of a difficult start to the season. His statistics—usually a source of pride—have become a mirror reflecting a struggle that few saw coming. And just as the city begins to murmur, Darren Dreger, TSN’s trusted insider, steps into the spotlight with a statement that sends ripples through the hockey world.

Dreger’s words are not the usual insider tidbits or trade rumors. Instead, he raises a question that feels almost taboo: Did Samuel Montembeault work hard enough this summer? The suggestion hangs in the air, startling fans and analysts alike. For those who have watched Montembeault grind through off-season drills and battle back from injury, the idea seems almost unthinkable. Was it truly a lack of effort, or is there something else lurking beneath the surface—a hidden injury, a mental hurdle, or simply the crushing pressure of expectation in Montreal?

The conversation grows more complex as Dreger himself admits his doubts, acknowledging that Montembeault faced an offseason injury and insisting the goalie did put in the work to be ready for camp. Yet, the caveat remains, and with it, a sense of unease. What if the summer wasn’t enough? What if the injury lingered longer than anyone realized? Or perhaps, what if the weight of being Montreal’s starting goalie is simply heavier than any amount of training can prepare for?

As the Canadiens send Montembeault down to Laval for a conditioning stint, the questions multiply. Is this move a wake-up call or a lifeline? Will the Rocket’s less intense spotlight help him rediscover his rhythm, or will the pressure to bounce back only intensify? For the organization, the decision is clear: Montembeault needs to regain his confidence and form, and Laval offers a new environment—a chance to reset away from the relentless scrutiny of Bell Centre.

But for fans, the mystery remains. What truly happened in the first half of the season? Is Montembeault battling unseen demons, or is this simply a rough patch in a long career? The answer is hidden behind closed doors, in quiet conversations between coaches and trainers, and in the private moments where Montembeault faces himself.

As the city holds its breath, hoping for a comeback, one thing is certain: the story of Samuel Montembeault’s season is far from over. In the days ahead, every save, every goal, and every decision will be watched with new intensity. The spotlight is unforgiving, but so too is the hope that Montembeault will rise again, proving that resilience is forged not in easy victories, but in the hardest battles.

Dec 2, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Starting goalie Montreal Canadiens Samuel Montembeault (35) skates first from his team on the ice during warm-up before the game against the Ottawa Senators at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Following a very difficult start to the season for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, Darren Dreger made a worrying statement.

The TSN insider, who generally sticks to what his sources report to him, made a rather unusual comment regarding Montembeault.

But what happened with Samuel Montembeault at the start of the season?

According to Darren Dreger, it’s possible that Samuel didn’t work hard enough this summer.

That’s a statement that really surprises me, because based on everything I’ve seen (from the outside), Montembeault appears to have worked very hard this summer!

Here’s what Dreger had to say on the subject:

“Darren Dreger, on TSN 690, wondered whether the goaltender worked hard enough this summer to prepare for the season.

We know that Monty, after all, also had to deal with an injury during the offseason. That may have affected his training, even though the Quebec native put in the effort to be fully ready for training camp.”

– Marc-Olivier Cook, DLC

Dreger then stated that he believes the answer is yes, but he still raised the question in a fairly serious manner, adding some caveats, which is quite concerning and strange.

And in your opinion, what happened with Samuel Montembeault in the first half of the season?

His statistics clearly show that something is off, which is why he has been sent to Laval for a conditioning stint.

Hopefully, he can regain his confidence and form, and get back to the level the Canadiens know he can reach.