Montreal Chooses Montembeault Over Fowler in Goalie Decision
Montreal kept veteran Sam Montembeault and sent top prospect Jacob Fowler down as it trimmed its roster to 23 players. Montembeault posted a .971 save percentage in the preseason, while Fowler had an .893 mark, though the article argues the small sample and waiver situation made the choice questionable. The piece contends Fowler remains the more valuable long-term option for the Canadiens.
Montreal reduced its roster to 23, sending 19 players down, nine via waivers. The club retained seven defensemen, including Adam Engstrom, who appeared in 15 NHL games last season, rather than David Reinbacher, the 2023 fifth-overall pick. Fourteen forwards were kept, with Florian Xhekaj promoted.
In exhibition play, Montembeault stopped 34 of 35 shots, while Fowler allowed three goals on 28 attempts. Fowler did not require waivers; Montembeault did. Montembeault has one contract year remaining before unrestricted free agency, and he posted a 10-8-4 record, 3.43 GAA and .872 save percentage last regular season.
This decision could affect Canadiens fans, players, and prospects by shaping expectations about organizational patience and opportunity. If Montembeault struggles, fan scrutiny of management may intensify, while Fowler's development path could influence how young goalies view waiver rules and roster competition. The debate may also affect local media narratives and ticket-holder sentiment, though on-ice results will likely determine whether the choice is remembered as prudent or costly.