Total surprise from Kent Hughes and bye bye Samuel Montembeault?

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David St-Jean
June 7, 2024 (8:16 PM)

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We keep hearing that the Canadiens have too many defensemen and not enough forwards, but what about goalies like Samuel Montembeault?

Logic would suggest that the surplus of defensemen should be replaced by one or more forwards, but Kent Hughes isn't ready to sacrifice the future on the blue line. So, it will be difficult.

Cayden Primeau has gained a lot of experience this season, and Jakub Dobes has also developed well in Laval. Additionally, there's Jacob Fowler making waves in the NCAA.

According to Dany Dubé, the possibility of seeing a defenseman sacrificed in a trade for Trevor Zegras or Martin Necas is a given.

"The Canadiens will have to sacrifice something that has value to them. I think Carolina is looking for defensemen because they can't sign everyone. They'll sign Skjei, but not Pesce, so they'll need a defenseman who plays big minutes. Is it Matheson? Is it Matheson and Harris? Barron could be interesting because Burns is nearing his forties. I think those are key elements."

However, the analyst believes that Kent Hughes could also surprise by including a goalie in the mix. We know that John Gibson wants out of the Ducks, and a trade is imminent, plus the Hurricanes have had goaltending issues with Frederik Andersen still injured.

"I also think, in goal, they'll have some questions. We, in Montreal, have youth, and we have a goalie who could interest them."

Certainly, in the short term, trading Samuel Montembeault would hurt the Canadiens. He's been very solid for the past two seasons and won't be easily replaceable.

It all depends on the team's plans, whether they aim to win in less than five years or more than five years.

Source Go Nordiques -
Sacrifice chez le Tricolore de Montréal: au revoir, Samuel Montembeault?