Samuel Montembeault’s situation in Montreal could take an unexpected turn.
It comes on the heels of a major injury announcement from the Columbus Blue Jackets that has thrown their goaltending depth into question just as the NHL season approaches.
Montembeault still has not been traded, despite months of speculation and questions surrounding his future with the Canadiens. Time is running out if Montreal wants to move him before the season begins. Now, a clear door has opened in Columbus.
On Monday, the Blue Jackets announced that goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery. No timetable has been set for his return.
Merzlikins served as Columbus’s No. 2 goaltender behind starter Jet Greaves. Next in line is Pheonix Copley, who was signed primarily to play in the American Hockey League and does not appear to be a viable long-term NHL solution at this stage. With Merzlikins’ availability for the start of the season now in serious doubt, Columbus faces a genuine goaltending crisis.
That is where Samuel Montembeault enters the picture.
Despite a difficult 2025-26 season, Montembeault has shown strong form in previous years and played a key role in helping the Canadiens reach the playoffs in 2024-25. He remains a proven NHL goaltender seeking a fresh opportunity to re-establish himself.
The communication channel between the two clubs is already open. Columbus general manager Don Waddell and Montreal’s Kent Hughes completed the Patrik Laine trade and the Luke Tuch deal. The two sides have also reportedly spoken recently about Kirill Marchenko. Those existing relationships make a potential Montembeault move far from far-fetched.
This situation will be one to watch closely in the coming hours and days. Do not be surprised if Samuel Montembeault eventually lands in Columbus.
At this point, the hope for Montembeault is simply that he receives a genuine chance to prove himself again as a reliable NHL starter—whether that opportunity comes in Montreal or somewhere else. The Blue Jackets’ sudden need may have just created the opening he has been waiting for.