Yesterday, the Canadiens announced that they had reached an agreement with Samuel Montembeault on the terms of a contract extension. The goaltender has signed a three-year pact (starting next season) that will pay him an average of $3.15 million per year.
All in all, it was a good deal for everyone. The Quebecer bought himself a little stability, while the CH took the gamble of having a good goalie at a modest salary for three years.
So, this morning, Montembeault and Kent Hughes spoke to the media (they did it together), and of course, Hughes was asked about the future he sees for the Quebec goaltender.
And the famous question of the future #1 goalie came up again.
To this one, Hughes remained cautious, but was clear on one thing: if Montembeault has the level, he’ll be the club’s #1 goalie in the future.
It would be crazy to dismiss the best 5v5 goalie in the league right now. – Kent Hughes, on Samuel Montembeault
Sam Montembeault and Kent Hughes speak to the media, following the announcement of his three-year contract extension.
Samuel Montembeault and Kent Hughes address the media following yesterday’s announcement of a three-year contract extension.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/6cJynVsjru
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) December 2, 2023
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
Speaking of “the best 5v5 goalie in the league”, Hughes is referring to the fact that at even strength, few (if any) goalies are as effective as Montembeault is this season across the NHL. It’s harder for the Quebecer when he’s short-handed (and the club doesn’t help him there), but at 5v5, he’s on a par with the likes of Jeremy Swayman, Linus Ullmark, Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin in 2022-23.
And I’m not exaggerating: the figures point in that direction.
The three-goalie rotation (which, according to Hughes, isn’t necessarily “unfair” to all three, considering that Montembeault was able to sign a big contract and Cayden Primeau is getting his chance in the NHL) makes it hard to know whether Monty would be as effective if he had the real workload of a #1 goalie, but the current signs are encouraging.
Hughes also praised the Quebecer’s consistency of progression since arriving in Montreal, a rare aspect among goalkeepers. The GM knows that it’s difficult to predict consistency among goalies in the league, and the fact that he has one who is consistent in his backyard is worth a lot.
Montembeault is also proud of his progress and consistency, always ready to help his club win.
“The progression I had really helped me [earn the contract]. Something I did better last year was be more consistent & that’s something I need to keep doing moving forward. Every time they give me the call, I need to be ready & give the team a chance to win.” – Sam Montembeault pic.twitter.com/Ws8ivojghf
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 2, 2023
Montembeault isn’t perfect, but at least we know what to expect from him… and it’s usually good things.
The Quebecer seemed genuinely happy that the matter was settled, and after proving that he deserves his place in the NHL, he now wants to prove that he deserves to stay.
And with a nice contract in his pocket, he can now concentrate 100% on that.
In bursts
– I like the comparison.
Martin St-Louis on Suzuki and Caufield’s reunion tonight:
“I think when you give them time away, when they come back, it gets better. It’s like a couple!” 😅@RDSca
– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) December 2, 2023
– A day to remember.
On this day in 1995, the Red Wings defeated the Canadiens 11-1. Patrick Roy was left in net for nine of the goals. When he was finally relieved, he told team president Ronald Corey that he had played his last game in Montreal #Habs365 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/qZqBHTyCUJ
– Mike Commito (@mikecommito) December 2, 2023
– A name to watch.
There is word today the Nashville Predators have given Tyson Barrie permission to talk to other teams. Barrie is expected to be a scratch vs the Rangers and is a UFA after this season. This allows team and player to see if there is a better fit elsewhere
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 2, 2023
– Wow.
Antoine Keller of the Titan became the 10th goaltender in #QMJHL history to score a goal last night. François Brassard leads the way with two.
Most impressive of all, there was a goalie in front of the opposing net!
The sequence: pic.twitter.com/C3TmfWqaKv
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) December 2, 2023
– Will the two guys be able to support him adequately, though?
Martin St-Louis likes the predictability of Pearson and Evans’ game. He believes this will help Juraj Slafkovsky to be more comfortable.
He believes Slafkovsky can take control offensively and be a threat.@RDSca
– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) December 2, 2023