Edmonton Oilers Consider Trade for Montreal Canadiens Goalie Samuel Montembeault: A Goalie Situation Analysis
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly showing interest in Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault, according to hockey writer Maxime Truman. While Montembeault is not the only candidate on their list, the Oilers are considering a potential trade. With Calvin Pickard and Connor Ingram becoming unrestricted free agents, Tristan Jarry is currently the only goaltender under contract with the Oilers. The decision to bring Montembeault on board will depend on the price demanded by Montreal's Kent Hughes and the other goaltending options available to the Oilers.
Heading into last season, Montembeault was considered one of Canada's top goalies and was named to the Canadian Olympic team as the third goalie. However, his performance declined last season, leading to him being surpassed by younger goalies on the Montreal roster. With a save percentage of just .873 last year and a decreasing Quality Starts percentage, Montreal is looking to offload him due to his underwhelming performance.
Despite Connor Ingram's solid performance for the Oilers last season, the potential acquisition of Montembeault raises questions. Ingram had a higher Quality Starts percentage than Montembeault, making him a seemingly better fit for a tandem with Jarry. However, if Montreal were to eat half of Montembeault's salary and he were to join the Oilers as a third NHL goalie, the deal could work out. In this scenario, Montembeault would likely play in the AHL alongside Samuel Jonsson, providing Edmonton with additional goaltending depth.
In conclusion, the Oilers' interest in Samuel Montembeault presents an intriguing possibility for their goaltending situation. While Montembeault's recent performance may raise concerns, a potential deal could benefit both teams if the terms are favorable. The coming days will reveal more about the potential trade and its implications for the Oilers' goaltending lineup.