7 Potential Destinations for Canadiens Goaltender Sam Montembeault

The Montreal Canadiens have a goaltending situation that could soon become a luxury problem. Unfortunately, in the NHL, luxury problems tend to come with a salary attached, and sometimes the best solution is knowing when to move a piece before the situation becomes unnecessarily crowded.

Over the past two seasons, the Canadiens have seen not one, but two young goaltenders demonstrate that they belong in the NHL. Jakub Dobeš made his impression last season, while Jacob Fowler has taken things to another level this year. Fowler was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October after posting a remarkable 7-1-0 record, a 1.84 goals-against average, a .932 save percentage and two shutouts. That's quite an introduction to the big league.

At just 21, Fowler has plenty of growing to do, but sending him back to Laval simply because Montreal has too many goaltenders would be difficult to justify. Yes, he doesn't require waivers, which made the decision to send him down at the beginning of the season relatively easy. His performances, however, have changed that conversation. He's earned his place.

Dobeš, meanwhile, is only 25, has a new contract kicking in next season and possesses plenty of potential himself. Trading him would be ridiculous. Fowler will have his ups and downs, as every young goaltender does, and having another capable young netminder is hardly a problem.

That brings us to Sam Montembeault.

Monty had a good training camp before his injury interrupted things. While last season wasn't particularly kind to him, let's not forget that he had established himself as a reliable NHL goaltender in previous seasons. His $3.15-million cap hit is affordable, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, acquiring him wouldn't represent a major financial commitment.

There are plenty of NHL teams looking for answers between the pipes. Some are looking for stability, others are simply looking for someone who can stop the puck. In New York, the Rangers have been dealt a particularly nasty hand. With Igor Shesterkin out for the season, they were desperate enough to bring James Reimer out of retirement. When you're reaching for the emergency goalie phone book, it's probably time to explore other options.

Here are seven potential destinations where Montembeault could make sense:

New York Rangers

* Out for the season

Pittsburgh Penguins

Anaheim Ducks

Seattle Kraken

Utah Mammoth

Columbus Blue Jackets

Detroit Red Wings

The numbers accompanying each team speak for themselves. All seven have reasons to at least consider improving their goaltending situation, although their needs, expectations and willingness to make a move will differ. Montembeault isn't a guaranteed solution, but he could be a worthwhile gamble for a team looking to improve its chances without committing long-term money.

Three goaltenders? Fool me twice...

Kent Hughes has to remember one thing: the three-goalie experiment hasn't exactly been a roaring success in Montreal. We saw it with Montembeault, Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau a few years ago, and then again with Montembeault, Dobeš and Fowler last season. It created an awkward situation, limited opportunities and left everyone trying to figure out who was actually going to get the net, even in practice.

Three goaltenders may look like insurance on paper, but somebody always ends up paying the premium. With two young goalies who deserve NHL opportunities, Montreal cannot afford to repeat that mistake. Montembeault can bring back a half decent return, and Hughes should seriously consider making a move. Sometimes the best way to protect your goaltending future is to stop trying to keep everybody.