The Montreal Canadiens are once again grappling with a goaltender conundrum. For the third time in four years, the team finds itself with three goalies on the roster, a situation that simply isn’t sustainable.

As general manager Kent Hughes made clear at the club’s annual season-opening charity golf tournament, having three netminders in camp is acceptable, but he has no interest in running a three-goalie system during the regular season.

A rocky start by Jakub Dobes and an injury to Samuel Montembeault have thrown a wrench into those plans.

Montreal Canadiens Goaltending Situation

Heir apparent Jacob Fowler had a strong training camp but was loaned to the Laval Rocket in an effort to resolve the three-headed monster in Montreal’s crease. It was clearly a numbers game: he was the only goalie who did not have to clear NHL waivers. Fowler made it clear he was not thrilled by the demotion and promised to work as hard as possible to return. Given his excellent results since being recalled by the Habs, it is safe to say he has no intention of heading back to the AHL anytime soon. The numbers this 21-year-old has posted are record-breaking.

Dobes, meanwhile, was coming off an outstanding rookie season in which he helped lead the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference finals. He finished the regular season with a 29-10-4 record, led all NHL rookie goaltenders in wins, and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team. With encouraging results under his belt, the Canadiens signed Dobes to a three-year, $16-million contract extension.

He arrived at camp with plenty of confidence, yet his start to the season has been anything but stellar. Whether it is the new contract, the pressure of being the presumed No. 1, or simply the fact that he usually takes time to find his rhythm, as evidenced by his slow start last season, Dobes needs to his reestablish his winning ways.

Montembeault, on the other hand, also had a strong camp after coming off a career-worst season. Among goalies who played more than 20 games, his 3.43 goals-against average ranked third-worst in the league. He was sent to Laval on a conditioning stint but still couldn’t win back his spot in the lineup once he was recalled. Consequently, he did not play another game after March 6, 2026.

The Next Step

As it currently stands, Montembeault is nearing a return from injury, while Fowler has seemingly taken over the number one spot, leading to yet another complicated situation in Montreal’s crease.

Everyone knows you ride the hot hand, and Fowler has certainly earned that opportunity. But the Habs also need to figure out what to do with the other two netminders on the roster. Dobes needs to regain his confidence, which could happen as the season progresses. If last year is any indication, he may need some time to find his rhythm. Montembeault, meanwhile, needs a chance to play if Hughes hopes to showcase him and get some kind of return in a trade.

Knowing Hughes and the relationships he has built with his players, he’s unlikely to send Montembeault just anywhere. Ideally, he’ll find a team where the goalie is valued and has a legitimate opportunity to play. Several teams could use help between the pipes, including the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Buffalo Sabres. But the goaltending market is a tricky one and finding the right fit, both for Montembeault and for the Habs, won’t necessarily be easy.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Simply put, there’s always an overabundance of goaltending options on the trade market, as well as in the AHL and ECHL, while NHL roster spots remain incredibly limited. Supply far outweighs demand.

Of course, nobody knows exactly what Hughes has planned or how this will all play out. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Fowler has earned the number one job, forcing Hughes’ hand in the process.

With Dobes’ new contract kicking in next season, the Habs need to give him the opportunity to redeem himself. If he gets back to his best, he and Fowler could make for an incredible tandem. That leaves Montembeault, an incredibly well-liked teammate who deserves the chance to put last season behind him and start fresh somewhere else.

Three goalies might sound like a nice problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless.

The Canadiens need to make a decision, and the sooner they do, the better for all involved.