Significant development in the Samuel Montembeault case

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Elias Edmonson
June 11, 2023 (4:24 PM)

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Kent Hughes will have several important issues to deal with this summer, including the situation of the goalies and that of Samuel Montembeault. The Quebecer will indeed play the last year of his two-season contract worth one million dollars annually in 2023-2024.

Despite a year strewn with obstacles for the Tricolor, the 26-year-old goalie possibly had his best career season, having been a vital cog for the Montreal formation. He indeed ended the year with a record of 16-19-3, while maintaining an efficiency rate of 0.901 and an average of 3.42 goals allowed.

Samuel Montembeault was particularly impressive with the Canadian team during the World Hockey Championship where he was, undoubtedly, Canada's best player. His exceptional performances enabled his team to win the gold medal, concluding the tournament with an incredible efficiency rate of 0.939 and an average of 1.42 goals allowed.

His performances seemed to convince several experts who believe that the Quebec goaltender could indeed become the number one goalie long sought after by the organization. Indeed, he demonstrated a rapid progression throughout the season, and the best seems yet to come in his case.

Shortly after the tournament, Montembeault notably declared publicly that he would like to get a contract extension during the off-season or at the training camp so that he can fully concentrate on the next season.

In this regard, the excellent Arpon Basu of The Athletic revealed major information on this file. According to his information, Kent Hughes would like to start discussions with his goalie to grant him a new contract soon. This is excellent news for the Quebecer and for the organization which will be able to ensure the services of Samuel Montembeault for several more seasons.

Should Kent Hughes offer him a contract for three seasons with an annual value of 3.5 million dollars?