The Montreal Canadiens have assigned goaltender Samuel Montembeault to the Laval Rocket on a conditioning loan. The 29-year-old has not started a game since December 2 and has struggled with a 5-6-1 record, 3.65 goals-against average, and .857 save percentage this season. This move comes amid the team's evaluation of younger netminders like Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.
The Montreal Canadiens announced on December 16, 2025, that goaltender Samuel Montembeault has been sent to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, on a conditioning assignment. Per the NHL-NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, this loan requires Montembeault's agreement and cannot exceed 14 days. The 29-year-old from Becancour, Quebec, will join the Rocket in Cleveland for practice on Wednesday ahead of their game against the Monsters on Thursday.
Montembeault's season has been challenging. He entered 2025-26 as the Canadiens' No. 1 goaltender but has posted five wins in 15 games, allowing 3.65 goals per game with a .857 save percentage. His last start was on December 2 against the Ottawa Senators, a 5-2 loss where he gave up five goals on 29 shots amid a poor defensive effort. He last appeared on December 9, entering in relief for Jakub Dobes during a 6-1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he allowed three goals on 13 shots.
The Canadiens have been rotating younger goalies amid defensive struggles and injuries. Jacob Fowler, a 21-year-old prospect called up from Laval, made his NHL debut with 36 saves in a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. He then took the loss in a 5-4 overtime defeat to the New York Rangers on Saturday after Montreal squandered a 3-0 lead. Dobes earned a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday with 27 saves.
This assignment signals a reset for Montembeault, who has not started since December 2 despite expectations for a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 7. The team is carrying three NHL goaltenders, an unusual setup reflecting short-term needs and long-term evaluation. Meanwhile, defenseman Mike Matheson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and missed Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Matheson has four goals and 12 assists in 32 games, leading the team with 24:54 average ice time.
The move emphasizes accountability in a season where Montreal has leaked goals, prioritizing performance over reputation.