Under the bright lights of Montreal’s Bell Centre, the air has grown thick with uncertainty, and every save—or missed opportunity—by Samuel Montembeault now feels like a moment charged with far more than just the fate of a single game. The tension is almost tangible, rippling through the stands and echoing in the whispers that swirl around the Canadiens’ crease. It’s not just hockey; it’s a high-stakes drama unfolding in real time, with the city’s hopes and anxieties pinned to the performance of their embattled goaltender.

This week, the Montembeault saga took a strange and unexpected turn. Darren Dreger, one of Canada’s most respected hockey insiders, sent shockwaves through the fanbase with a single, pointed question: Did Montembeault work hard enough this summer? The words hung in the air, igniting a firestorm of speculation and debate. Dreger was quick to clarify his belief that Montembeault did put in the effort, but when a voice as influential as his raises doubt—even for a moment—the impact is immediate and profound. Suddenly, everyone had an opinion, and the pressure on Montembeault intensified.

In Montreal, the goaltending position is rarely a place of peace. The city’s history is filled with legendary netminders and unforgettable controversies, and the current climate is no exception. With injuries mounting and rumors swirling, the Canadiens have been forced to juggle a roster of young, untested players, and the spotlight on Montembeault has never been brighter. Every decision, every performance, is dissected by fans and media alike, and the smallest misstep can become the subject of heated debate.

Montembeault’s recent struggles have only added fuel to the fire. His numbers have dipped, prompting a conditioning stint in Laval—a move designed to help him regain his form but one that also signals concern from the organization. Meanwhile, the news from Team Canada has done little to ease the tension. Dreger’s revelation that Scott Wedgewood has been added to the list of possible Olympic goaltenders speaks volumes about the shifting perception of Montembeault’s status. For a goalie once seen as Montreal’s next great hope, the message is clear: nothing is guaranteed.

Behind the scenes, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis are left to navigate the storm. Both men understand the unique pressures that come with managing the Canadiens, especially when the team’s fortunes seem to hang in the balance. The conversation about Montembeault—and the future of the crease—remains front and center, with no easy answers in sight.

Yet, despite the uncertainty, there is still room for hope. Montembeault has responded to adversity before, and he’ll have another chance to prove himself. The organization’s decision to send him to Laval may be a smart move, a chance for him to rediscover his game away from the relentless spotlight.

But for now, the questions linger, and the mood in Montreal is anything but calm. What really lies behind Montembeault’s struggles? Is this just a rough patch, or the beginning of something more troubling? As the Canadiens’ season unfolds, the answers remain elusive—and the story is far from over. If you want to understand the real drama behind the numbers, and what it means for Montreal’s future, you’ll need to read on.

Photo of Samuel Montembeault

Photo credit: NHL

The Samuel Montembeault situation has just taken another strange turn in Montreal.

Darren Dreger recently openly raised the question of whether Montembeault worked hard enough this summer.

However, he was quick to add that he believes the answer is yes. Still, when someone like him raises the question publicly, it gets people talking-big time.

In Montreal, the Canadiens’ crease is never calm for very long. Rumors spread quickly, especially when there is uncertainty surrounding the number-one goaltender.

And we’ve seen plenty of noise recently surrounding the goaltending in Montreal.

Samuel Montembeault needs to get back in shape

Here’s what Darren Dreger had to say about Montembeault:

“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

Another element that makes this less reassuring is what’s happening on the Team Canada side. Dreger said that Scott Wedgewood has been added to the list for possible participation in the Olympic Games.

When that kind of update comes out, it says a lot about the perception around the goaltending position, plain and simple.

Meanwhile, with the Canadiens, the pressure hasn’t gone away-it’s just changed form. You can feel that the topic of “in the crease” remains on the table, no matter the day.

Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis know very well how things work here, especially when things get turbulent.

His numbers suggest something isn’t right, which led to his conditioning stint in Laval. However, Montembeault has responded before, and he’ll get his chance again.

But let’s just say that these days, the news isn’t exactly putting anyone at ease.