The Montreal Canadiens are off to a strong start, currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division with a 23-13-6 record after winning three of their last four games.
With eyes on a potential deep playoff run, there has been growing speculation about whether Montreal might look to upgrade its roster. One area drawing attention is goaltending, and an NHL insider recently offered insight into the Canadiens’ chances of landing a Stanley Cup–winning netminder.
Canadiens Insider Talks Stanley Cup Champ Goalie Rumors
Montreal is currently carrying three goaltenders. Jakub Dobes, Samuel Montembeault, and Jacob Fowler. All three have delivered mixed results so far. Dobes posted a 3.01 goals-against average, Montembeault at 3.48, and Fowler recorded a 2.57 GAA in a limited sample of seven games. That uneven performance has fueled rumors that the Canadiens could explore adding a veteran goalie to steady the crease in the postseason.
The Canadiens were blanked 2-0 by the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, with Fowler turning aside 17 of the 19 shots he faced. It marked Montreal’s first shutout loss since Nov. 13, when they were also held scoreless against the Stars.
Speaking on The Starr & D’Amico Show, Canadiens insider Marco D’Amico addressed the broader goaltending market and where Montreal fits into it. “We saw Skinner get traded to Pittsburgh. I’m pretty sure Pittsburgh would welcome trading him by the trade deadline, so he’s an option. Jordan Bennington, I think, is going to draw interest as well if the St. Louis Blues decide it’s time to rebuild.”
Binnington, of course, backstopped the Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019.
Beyond those names, D’Amico pointed to Utah’s Karel Vejmelka if his team falls out of playoff contention. Still, he emphasized that many of these options depend heavily on standings and contract situations.
Despite the speculation, D’Amico believes any serious move by Montreal would likely come in the offseason rather than during the playoff race. “Definitely an offseason endeavor, and I think they’re going to take in all the information they have at that point. Who plays well in the playoffs, both American Hockey League and NHL, what contracts look like?”
All three Montreal goaltenders, Dobes, Montembeault, and Fowler, are already signed for next season, which adds another layer to the decision-making process.
D’Amico also pointed out that internal development will play a role, including whether younger prospects, such as NCAA goaltender Quentin Miller, turn pro and how Fowler fits into the long-term plan.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” D’Amico said. “So a knee-jerk reaction, like trading for a Jordan Binnington right now, I don’t see that happening.”
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For now, the Canadiens will stay focused on the present as they prepare to take on the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.
