Sam Montembeault’s first preseason look was the kind of start the Canadiens wanted to see in a goalie battle that still has a long way to go.
The 29-year-old stopped all 13 shots he faced over 31:19 on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal rolled to a 4-1 win before Kahkonen took over midway through the second period. It wasn’t a night filled with highlight-reel stops, but it was clean, calm, and efficient - exactly the sort of performance that can matter in net.
Montembeault has already built up a notable resume. Drafted 77th overall in the third round in 2015 by the Florida Panthers, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound goalie was later claimed off waivers by the Canadiens in 2021. He set an NHL record with 48 saves in a season-opening shutout against Toronto in 2024, and he was named to Canada’s roster for the 4-nations face-off in the 2024-25 season.
His 2024-25 numbers showed what he can do when things are going well: 62 games played, a 31-24-7 record, a 2.82 goals-against average, a 0.9 save percentage, and four shutouts. The 2025-26 season was a tougher story, with 25 games, a 10-8-4 record, a 3.43 goals-against average, and a 0.872 save percentage.
That’s what makes this preseason start worth watching. Against Toronto, Montembeault looked composed in the crease, tracked the puck well, and didn’t give the Leafs much to work with. Goaltending isn’t always about piling up jaw-dropping saves; sometimes the best sign is a night that feels quiet from start to finish.
After the game, Montembeault said: "It feels good. It had been so long since I played, the last time was at the trade deadline last year.
I'm really happy. I was nervous before the game started, but they got a power play after a minute,…"
His showing could also ripple beyond his own spot on the depth chart. Jacob Fowler remains one of the organization’s most important prospects, but if Montembeault keeps putting together steady preseason outings, Montreal may not need to rush Fowler into a backup NHL role. That would open the door for Fowler to start with the Laval Rocket, get regular minutes, face pro competition, and keep developing at a natural pace.
One preseason game won’t settle anything. The Canadiens still need a lot more evidence before drawing real conclusions about 2026-27, especially this early in camp. But Montembeault’s opening statement was strong, and for a goalie trying to build confidence, that’s a useful place to begin.
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