Darren Dreger confirms Sam Montembeault trade talks taking a dramatic turn
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Samuel Montembeault trade talks in Montreal have taken an interesting turn. Teams are calling, but according to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the market has not yet reached the point where Kent Hughes is being pushed toward a deal.
Interest Is Real, but the Market Is Quiet
Dreger confirmed that Hughes has taken calls from clubs about the Canadiens goaltender, and he indicated the outreach has been going on for a while rather than being a fresh development.
His full comment:
I know that Kent Hughes has had conversations with clubs who have inquired on Sam Montembeault. I don't know if that's recent, as in the last number of days, but I would say the last few weeks there have been teams who have been calling. [...] So I think there is interest in Montembeault. In fact, I know there is. But I don't know that the market is that strong just yet
That is a notable gap. Interest alone does not make a trade, and the market has yet to produce an obvious frontrunner.
For a general manager who reportedly turned down proposals over the summer, that matters. Louis Jean reported in August that Hughes passed on what he was offered because it fell short of his expectations.
Why Montreal Can Afford to Wait
Montreal has little reason to rush. Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes give the Canadiens a younger tandem to lean on, which turns Montembeault into a trade chip rather than a necessity. Hughes can be patient and let the price come to him.
Dreger has previously noted that Hughes could look for a forward in return, which would make any deal more complicated than a simple goalie-for-pick swap.
NHL goalie markets can shift fast, though. One injury or a prolonged slump on another team can turn casual interest into urgent demand, and Hughes will be ready to listen when that happens. For now, the Canadiens hold the leverage of patience, and the calls will likely keep coming.
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