The Montreal Canadiens enter the 2026 offseason in a vastly different position than they were a year ago.
After a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Final, general manager Kent Hughes and the Canadiens have shown their rebuild is ahead of schedule. The goal now is no longer just building for the future; it’s about improving the roster and becoming a true Stanley Cup contender.
With roughly $10 million in cap space and several key decisions to make, one move that could create even more flexibility is trading their $9.45 million goaltender, with the Edmonton Oilers emerging as a potential trade partner.
Oilers Linked to Canadiens Goalie Samuel Montembeault
Samuel Montembeault is entering the final season of his three-year, $9.45 million contract and appears to be the odd man out in Montreal’s crease.
The 29-year-old endured a difficult 2025-26 season, posting a .873 save percentage and 3.43 goals-against average in 25 appearances. By the end of the year, he lost his spot in the lineup and watched Montreal’s playoff run from the press box.
Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes seized the starting role with a strong finish to the regular season and an impressive postseason performance. Top prospect Jacob Fowler also continues to rise quickly through the organization, creating a crowded goaltending picture.
That has naturally led to speculation about Montembeault’s future.
According to NHL insider Maxime Truman, Edmonton is among the teams showing serious interest. “According to my information, the Oilers would have significant interest in Samuel Montembeault. Note: the Oilers aren’t the only ones who have called the Habs about Montembeault, and the latter isn’t the only goalie on their radar. However, there is clearly a path that could lead to a trade.”
For Montreal, moving Montembeault would clear a crowded crease while creating additional financial flexibility. For Edmonton, it could be one way of trying to solve a major offseason problem.
Why Edmonton Makes Sense
The Oilers enter the offseason with major questions in goal after a disappointing playoff exit.
Their gamble on Tristan Jarry failed to provide stability between the pipes as he struggled after arriving in Edmonton, posting a 3.86 goals-against average and .858 save percentage, while carrying a $5.375 million cap hit.
Connor Ingram eventually took over the starting role in the playoffs but is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Backup Calvin Pickard is also departing, leaving Jarry as the only goaltender currently under contract for next season.
That reality makes Montembeault an intriguing option.
Whether Edmonton views him as a tandem partner for Jarry or a potential replacement, he represents a lower-cost alternative to bigger names expected to be available on the trade market. Acquiring a goaltender like Linus Ullmark or Filip Gustavsson would likely require a significantly larger financial and asset commitment.
A Jarry-Montembeault tandem would carry a manageable $8.5 million cap hit, making Montembeault an attractive option for Edmonton. As a result, the acquisition cost may not be steep, with a mid-round pick, prospect, or player swap likely forming the basis of a deal.
As the NHL Draft approaches, Montembeault could emerge as a top Oilers target if Edmonton misses out on bigger names.
