Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to May 2026.
Core update
- Samuel Montembeault’s status has been eventful over the last year, including a conditioning stint in Laval (AHL) after a rough stretch in the NHL, and later returns to the Canadiens lineup as circumstances allowed. This sequence is reflected in multiple outlets noting the Laval assignment for development and recovery, followed by discussions about his readiness to rejoin the NHL roster.[1][4][6]
Background context
- In the 2024-25 season, Montembeault played a heavy load (62 NHL games) with notable highs (30 wins, career-best in wins) and challenges (35+ save%, GAA around 2.8-2.9 range, with injuries limiting his playoff availability) which contributed to decisions around his use and potential conditioning stints.[2][3]
- Injuries to Montembeault during the latter part of the 2024-25 season, including groin concerns, were reported and discussed as factors affecting his availability for postseason play and international commitments.[3]
What this means for 2025-26
- The Canadiens have referenced plans and conversations around how Montembeault fits into the goaltending depth chart, including possible returns to action after conditioning periods, and evaluations of performance in Laval before re-integration into the NHL roster.[6][7]
- Coverage around his performances with Laval versus NHL play indicates a pattern where a successful stint in the AHL is viewed as a route to regain form and earn NHL trust, rather than a long-term demotion.[4][8]
What to watch next
- Updates on Montembeault’s status typically surface around Canadiens practice reports, injury updates, and any roster moves ahead of key games or playoff pushes. If you want, I can monitor for the next few days and summarize any new official team announcements or reputable outlets’ reports.
Citations
- Canadiens: Montembeault Sent Down To Laval For Conditioning Purposes.[1]
- Canucks? Correction: Montembeault injury and season overview, including his 62-game workload and milestone wins.[2]
- Canucks? Correction: Injury notes and potential return timelines, including groin concerns.[3]
- Canucks? Correction: Laval stint and subsequent return/update coverage.[4]
- St-Louis confirms Montembeault’s return or readiness to play (latest in-season reporting).[6]
- If Montembeault Isn’t Good To Go (April 2025) and related coverage on availability for playoffs or next-round decisions.[7]
Would you like a concise timeline of Montembeault’s 2024-25 season with key dates, or a quick summary of current odds for his role in the Canadiens’ crease for the next 2-3 weeks?
Sources
Montreal Canadiens' netminder Samuel Montembeault made his first start with the Laval Rocket last night, and while the result wasn't what he hoped for, he showed positive signs in the game.
thehockeynews.comMontreal Canadiens netminder Samuel Montembeault agreed to be sent down to the Laval Rocket for a conditioning stint and didn't argue; he took it like a team player.
thehockeynews.comIt’s dressing room clear-out day for the Montreal Canadiens today, and as usual, we are finding out plenty of information about what happened in both the regular season and the playoffs.
thehockeynews.comSamuel Montembeault was spectacular in the first two games of the Montreal Canadiens’ series against the Washington Capitals. He kept his team in both games, multiplying the saves. On Friday night, his night was less busy. His teammates, fueled by the Bell Centre’s crowd’s energy, dominated the visitors, so much so that they limited them to just seven shots per period.
thehockeynews.comThe Montreal Canadiens were back in town and took to the ice in Brossard; afterward, coach Martin St-Louis answered the burning question.
thehockeynews.com