Canadiens Goaltender Samuel Montembeault Exits Practice With Leg Injury
Samuel Montembeault left Montreal's practice on Wednesday after injuring his right leg during a rebound drill. Coach Martin St. Louis said the goalie was undergoing medical evaluation and did not provide a further update. Alexandre Carrier suggested it might be a groin issue, though that was not an official diagnosis.
Montembeault, 29, was hurt in Brossard while attempting to control a rebound, twisting his right leg and leaving the ice with minimal weight on it. Coach Martin St. Louis said the goalie was still being evaluated and offered no further update. Teammate Alexandre Carrier guessed it was a groin tweak, but that was not an official diagnosis.
The timing is difficult because Montembeault has not appeared this season; Jakub Dobes has started all three games and conceded five goals in each of the past two. Montembeault had been expected to start Thursday against Nashville. If unavailable, Jacob Fowler is the likely recall from Laval. Montembeault previously injured the same right groin in April 2025.
The injury could ripple beyond Montreal's lineup, affecting teammates' workload, coaching decisions, and fans' expectations for upcoming games. If Montembeault misses time, Dobes may face heavier pressure, while a call-up like Fowler could get an unexpected NHL opportunity. For supporters and local businesses around Bell Centre, uncertainty around a key player may shape short-term engagement, though the broader impact likely remains limited to the hockey community.