Every four years, the Olympic Games ignite hope, pride, and fierce competition among the world’s greatest athletes—and for Canadian hockey players, the chance to represent their country on the international stage is the ultimate honor. Behind the scenes, however, the journey to the Olympics is rarely straightforward. It’s a battleground of statistics, expectations, and shifting allegiances, where even the most promising stars can see their dreams vanish in an instant. This week, the fate of one Montreal Canadiens goaltender has suddenly become the center of attention, following a revelation that may change the course of Team Canada’s Olympic campaign.

For months, speculation swirled around Samuel Montembeault’s prospects. Back in August, his invitation to Team Canada’s exclusive preparation camp—alongside Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill—seemed to signal a clear path to the 2026 Olympics. The trio was widely expected to anchor Canada’s hopes for gold, and Montembeault’s steady rise in the NHL had fans and analysts alike penciling his name onto the roster. But hockey, like life, is unpredictable. And as the season unfolded, the narrative began to shift in unexpected ways.

Enter Elliotte Friedman, the respected Sportsnet journalist whose insider updates can make or break a player’s Olympic ambitions. In a recent statement, Friedman delivered news that sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Suddenly, Montembeault’s Olympic dream appeared to be slipping away—not with a dramatic announcement, but with a conspicuous omission. Friedman’s analysis highlighted other contenders, some familiar, some surprising, but made no mention of Montembeault. For fans who have followed his journey, the silence was deafening.

What changed? Was it a matter of statistics, a string of tough games, or something deeper within Team Canada’s selection process? As the numbers stack up, it’s clear that Montembeault’s season has been challenging. With a record that falls short of expectations and a save percentage that trails behind his peers, the pressure has mounted with every game. Meanwhile, new names are emerging—Logan Thompson and Scott Wedgewood, both enjoying breakout seasons, have suddenly entered the conversation. Their performances are catching the eye of selectors, pushing Montembeault further from the spotlight.

But the story is far from over. The Olympic roster is never set in stone, and the months ahead will be a test of resilience, skill, and perhaps a little luck. For Montembeault, the challenge is not just to improve his numbers, but to prove he belongs among the best, to convince selectors—and himself—that his journey isn’t finished. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the uncertainty is palpable.

As fans debate the merits of each candidate, one question lingers: does Montembeault still have a chance to reclaim his spot and fulfill his Olympic dream? Or has the window closed for good, leaving him to watch from the sidelines as others seize the moment? The answer remains elusive, hidden within the drama of the season and the unpredictable nature of Olympic selection. For now, all eyes are on Montreal, waiting to see what happens next—and whether a comeback story is still possible.

Nov 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) during the third period of the game against the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The well-known Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman has just made a statement that appears to confirm the worst for goaltender Samuel Montembeault.

Back in August, let’s remember that only three goaltenders were invited to Team Canada’s preparation camp ahead of the 2026 Olympic Games.

Those three goalies were Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Samuel Montembeault, which strongly suggested they were the targeted trio to represent Canada at the Olympics.

That said, a few months later, everything has changed.

Elliotte Friedman suggests Samuel Montembeault may be replaced by Team Canada for the Olympic Games

It is certainly a dream going up in smoke for Montembeault, but unfortunately, given his very difficult start to the season, it was to be expected.

Three names (including two new ones) were specifically mentioned by Friedman.

“Team Canada goaltending: Binnington’s gonna be there and I think Logan Thompson’s gonna be there; at the very least I’d be looking at [Scott Wedgewood] as someone, he can play behind a really good team.”

– Elliotte Friedman

He mentioned a few other names as well, but mainly those three, and most importantly, absolutely no mention of Montembeault.

Based on Friedman’s comments, Montembeault does not appear to be in the current mix.

Montembeault, 29, has a 4-5-1 record this season, with a 3.71 goals-against average and a .852 save percentage.

Binnington, 32, has a 5-5-4 record this season, with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .880 save percentage.

Wedgewood, 33, has a 13-1-2 record this season, with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

Thompson, 28, has a 9-6-1 record this season, with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Do you think Montembeault still has a chance to earn a spot?