Under the harsh glare of the arena lights, Samuel Montembeault stands alone in the crease, his mask reflecting a mosaic of expectation and uncertainty. The crowd’s anticipation hangs heavy in the cold Montreal air, but tonight, every save feels like it carries more weight than just another win or loss. Somewhere beyond the boards, whispers of Milan and Olympic dreams swirl, growing louder with each game, each goal, each moment of hesitation.

The ice is a stage, and Montembeault’s performance is being scrutinized by more than just local fans. Across Canada, as the Olympic Games approach, the nation’s search for a hero between the pipes has turned into a high-stakes drama. The NHL has confirmed its stars will skate in Milan—if, and only if, the rink is ready and safe. But as construction delays persist and uncertainty grows, the league’s reminders hang over the proceedings like a storm cloud, threatening to pull the curtain on the world’s biggest hockey showcase.

For Montembeault, the pressure is more personal. Just months ago, an invitation to Team Canada’s orientation camp put him on the cusp of representing his country on the international stage, alongside fellow Canadiens Nick Suzuki and Noah Dobson. It was a moment of pride, a signal that Montreal’s core could soon be wearing the maple leaf in Milan. But as the season unfolded, cracks began to show. The numbers—once solid—have started to slip, and the spotlight has shifted from celebration to scrutiny.

Pierre LeBrun’s recent television update made the stakes painfully clear. Team Canada’s management, led by GM Doug Armstrong, has whittled its list of hopefuls down to the “low 30s.” Every player from the Four Nations roster remains in contention, but Montembeault’s position is suddenly less secure. The goalie’s record—a modest 5-6-1, with a goals-against average north of 3.60 and a save percentage well below last year’s standard—has cast doubt on his Olympic ambitions.

Yet, the story is far from over. Montembeault is no stranger to adversity. With a three-year contract and the Canadiens still battling for relevance in the Atlantic Division, every start now becomes a fresh audition—a chance to rewrite the narrative, to prove that he belongs among the elite. For Suzuki and Dobson, the path seems clear, their cases for Team Canada growing stronger with each shift. For Montembeault, the margin for error has vanished; every glove save, every sprawling stop, is another argument to keep his name on the shortlist.

What will it take for Montembeault to silence the doubters and reclaim his place on Team Canada’s radar? Can he rise above the pressure, the uncertainty, and the relentless pace of an NHL season to deliver the kind of performances that demand attention on the world stage?

As the Olympic countdown ticks on, one thing is certain: the next chapter in Montembeault’s journey will be written on the ice, where every moment is an opportunity—and every save could be the one that changes everything.

Photo of Samuel Montembeault

Photo credit: NHL

The Olympic Games are approaching, and in Canada, the goaltending situation is finally becoming a real talking point.

Even though NHL players’ participation in Milan was confirmed a few months ago, the league is already reminding everyone that it can pull its stars if the main rink is not ready or if the ice is deemed unsafe. Construction in Milan is lagging behind, and there is talk that the arena may only be tested right before the tournament-something that seriously concerns the league and the Players’ Association.

“According to Bill Daly, the Milan arena should be completed just in time for the start of the Olympic competitions!” – RDS

According to Pierre LeBrun’s recent comments in a TV segment about Team Canada’s outlook, the insider reminded viewers that the Canadian players participating in the Four Nations Face-Off remain, for the most part, well positioned for Olympic roster spots.

“Team Canada management group has wrapped up 3 days of meetings. GM Doug Armstrong says the list of players still in mix now down to the “low 30s.”

Everyone from 4 Nations roster still in mix. Will use next 3 weeks before Dec. 31 deadline to make those final, difficult decisions.” – Pierre LeBrun

However, the possible exception is Samuel Montembeault, whose case has become shaky due to his more difficult start to the season.

Recall that in August, Montembeault, Nick Suzuki, and Noah Dobson all received invitations to Team Canada’s orientation camp ahead of the 2026 Games. Three Canadiens players in that group was significant and suggested that Montreal would be well represented on the international stage.

On the ice, however, reality has caught up to Montembeault. At 29 years old, the goaltender holds a 5-6-1 record this season, with a 3.61 goals-against average and a .861 save percentage in 14 games. Those numbers are far from what he delivered last season and far from what Team Canada’s decision-makers hoped to see from a serious Olympic candidate.

Samuel Montembeault now has to respond

As a team, the Canadiens sit at 13-9-3, keeping them in the race in the Atlantic Division despite a more unstable stretch since early December.

In this scenario, Suzuki and Dobson appear to be solidifying their cases with Team Canada, while Montembeault is essentially treating every start as another audition to save his place on the shortlist of roughly thirty names still in contention. At the very least, Montembeault is not trapped by his situation. With a three-year contract at $3.15 million per season, he remains a potential bargain if his numbers rebound.

He knows the process-he has already overturned less favorable situations in his career. The best answer to all this pressure remains the same for any Canadiens goaltender aiming for the 2026 Olympic Games: string together big saves and force Team Canada’s decision-makers to put him back in their plans.