NHL trade rumors: Montreal Canadiens expected to trade veteran goaltender Sam Montembeault ahead of the NHL season

Speculation is doing the rounds Montreal Canadiens could be nearing a decision on Sam Montembeault, with the veteran goaltender increasingly viewed as a potential trade candidate as the team deals with a crowded crease. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Montembeault could become the first Canadiens player traded during the 2026-27 season. According to reports, Montembeault is on a three-year contract worth $9.45 million with the Canadiens in 2023, carrying an average annual value of $3.15 million. It is important to note that his contract expires after the 2026-27 season.Will the Montreal Canadiens trade Sam Montembeault or place him on waivers ahead of the season?The Montreal Canadiens are increasingly facing a complicated decision in goal as they enter the final stages of preparations for the 2026-27 NHL season. Meanwhile, the club will soon make a decision about veteran goaltender Sam Montembeaultas a potential trade candidate. Reports are also suggesting he could be kept in waivers by the Canadiens.According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Montembeault could become the first Canadiens player traded during the 2026-27 season. Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Seravalli pointed to the rapid change in Montembeault's standing within the organization.“Ask Sam Montembeault. He’s my best example. A couple of years ago, 4 Nations Face-Off, he was the third goalie on Team Canada. Today he’s on the outside looking in as the third goalie on the Montreal Canadiens. And my money is on him to be the first player traded this season," claimed Seravalli.As per reports, the goalie posted a 2.82 GAA and .901 save rate during the 2024-25 campaign. His play even earned him Vezina Award votes. Nevertheless, the star has since found himself on the outside looking in.Apart from this, Jakub Dobes has reportedly emerged as the Canadiens' No. 1 goaltender last season and subsequently signed a three-year, $16.05 million extension. He also started all 19 of Montreal's playoff games, posting a .908 save percentage, increasing his trade possibility.But there is a possibility that, if Montreal cannot find a suitable trade partner, another possibility is placing Montembeault on waivers. This was predicted by analyst Pierre McGuire has suggested that the Montreal Canadiens could put Montembeault on waivers and hope another team takes a chance on him. If so, they would not receive anything back, but they would clear the star’s $3.15 million cap hit.As of now, the Canadiens will appear to have a difficult decision to make. However, Jakub Dobes is now positioned as the team's No. 1 goaltender, while Fowler remains a highly regarded young option who could benefit from regular playing time in the AHL. It will be interesting to see with what decision the Canadiens come up with for the goaltender ahead of the season.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.