The numbers are staring us right in the face, and frankly, they are ugly. The Montreal Canadiens currently sit 30th in the NHL for goals-against average (3.54) and save percentage (.877). As someone who has watched this rebuild painstakingly unfold, I can tell you this: you cannot make a push for the top of the Atlantic Division with goaltending that porous. It demoralizes the defense and drains the offense.
We all thought we had this figured out. Sam Montembeault was arguably the team MVP last season, finishing 8th in Vezina voting. We felt safe. But his regression to a .861 Sv% this season is more than just a slump; it’s a crisis. While Jakub Dobes looked like the second coming of Carey Price in October, his November collapse proves he isn’t ready to carry the load alone.
The Cap Space Advantage: Why Montreal Beats Edmonton
This brings us to the latest reports from insider David Pagnotta. The Canadiens are actively “gauging the market.” Here is where my personal insight comes in: Do not look at this potential trade market the same way you look at the Edmonton Oilers’ situation.
The Oilers are desperate and broke (cap-wise). The Canadiens have leverage. With roughly $5.5 million in cap space compared to Edmonton’s peanuts, Montreal holds the cards. If a name like Jordan Binnington—who Pagnotta explicitly mentioned in connection with Montreal—becomes truly available, the Habs are one of the few teams that can absorb the contract without gutting the roster.
Binnington brings chaos, sure, but he also brings a pedigree that Montembeault hasn’t established yet. While Dobes righted the ship against Winnipeg, relying on a rookie to stabilize a playoff push is a gamble Kent Hughes shouldn’t take. If the Blues are selling, the Habs have the assets and the wallet to buy. It’s time to stop bleeding goals and start securing the crease.
Latest Montreal Canadiens News and NHL Stats
For the most up-to-date analysis on the goalie market, a look at the NHL Point Leaders for the 2025-26 season, or if you are just wondering what channel is the Habs game on TV today, make sure to keep browsing our website. We are tracking every rumor and every stat. Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to never miss a breaking story.
