Insider reveals the truth about the Montreal Canadiens trading Samuel Montembeault
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Marco D'Amico believes the Montreal Canadiens have a clear window to do right by Samuel Montembeault, and it starts with moving on from him this offseason.
Speaking on The Starr & D'Amico Show, D'Amico laid out why trading the veteran goaltender in the final year of his contract benefits both sides.
I think moving Sam Montembeault in his contract year so he can hope to get a NHL deal for next year is probably the most humane thing that the Canadiens can do in this situation. And if Hellebuyck gets traded that may start a carousel of other trades.
Why Montreal Might Finally Pull the Trigger
The Canadiens have reportedly tried and failed to trade Montembeault before, but their goaltending depth chart has changed.
Jakub Dobes has emerged as a legitimate top option, and prospect Jacob Fowler is pushing for NHL minutes.
With three capable goalies and only so many starts to go around, Montembeault's path to consistent playing time in Montreal looks limited heading into camp.
His $3.15 million cap hit and pending unrestricted free agency make him a low-risk depth option for a goalie-needy team, and getting him regular starts elsewhere this season would give him a real chance to rebuild his value before hitting the open market.
The Hellebuyck Domino Effect
D'Amico's carousel comment points to something bigger. Connor Hellebuyck has publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets ahead of training camp, and if he's dealt, it could shake loose the entire goaltending market.
Teams that miss out on Hellebuyck may turn to secondary options like Montembeault to fill their crease, giving Montreal the leverage it hasn't had in previous trade attempts.
Kent Hughes has reportedly been aggressive in shopping Montembeault before without success. A moving goaltending market could finally change that.
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