Samuel Montembeault wants to remain “down to earth”, despite the nice contract extension granted to him by the Canadian. He doesn’t want his life to change, despite the $9.5 million spread over three years that he will get by 2027.
“My financial advisor will tell me the same thing, not to go crazy with this! », Laughed the Habs goalie, Saturday morning at the Bell Centre, before his team’s match against the Red Wings.
“But it feels good,” agrees the native of Bécancour. We are perhaps looking to buy land in Trois-Rivières, so that will help with that. »
Montembeault “likes it a lot”, playing in Montreal. And yet, we know the potential difficulties that a Quebec goalkeeper can experience under the pressure of this hot market.
But he doesn’t care. He prefers to talk about his “progression”, which has been constant since his acquisition on waivers, in 2021. He attributes part of the credit to the advice provided by Éric Raymond, goalkeeper coach with the Canadian.
“We have a good relationship, the two of us. He helped me a lot to improve. Mentally too. The longer it goes, the more experience I gain in matches. »
This progression, combined with his “consistency”, were part of the reasons why general manager Kent Hugues wanted to continue the adventure with his Quebec jailer.
“If Sam is able to continue the way he started this season and for future years, we are happy [s’il a atteint] its ceiling, indicated the DG. He ranks first in the NHL in terms of his efficiency at 5 on 5. He plays really well. »
The three-way rotation continues despite everything
So, does this mark of confidence in Montembeault make him the Canadiens’ starting goalie?
According to Kent Hugues, the menage a trois in front of the net will have to continue for some time. But not forever.
“It’s certain that we won’t keep three goalkeepers in Montreal with one who doesn’t play,” said the CEO on Saturday.
In this regard, he is relying on the decisions of his coaches for the moment. “And in the meantime, we will evaluate the options we have. »
No question for him to reveal his cards, that said. “I’m not going to disclose our plans to the other 31 teams in the league. »
The reality, adds Hugues, is that he had no choice in acting: Montembeault’s contract expired at the end of this season. He was therefore going to become a free agent.
The general manager agrees that the situation is not the easiest to manage for Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau. The former spent a good part of his career in the NHL as a second, and the current context “is perhaps not ideal for him”, believes Hugues.
As for Primeau, “it’s not completely fair to him,” admits the CEO.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Cayden Primeau
” I talked to him. I told him I know it’s not ideal. But at the same time, you’re in the NHL. And you never know: when you get your chance, you have to take advantage of it. I have to give credit to Cayden, who kept a good attitude in the room. He is a good member of the team. »
“Two personalities”
The news of Montembeault’s contract extension made all the members of the Canadiens interviewed smile on Saturday.
“I didn’t know much about Sam,” submitted Martin St-Louis. He built his game, he brought consistency. He deserves it. I’m proud of him. »
Regarding the progression of the Quebecer, Nick Suzuki has a very specific memory.
“I remember it, it was in Buffalo. It was his first match with us. He had had a difficult evening. »
Verification made: Montembeault’s first meeting in the CH uniform dates from October 14, 2021, against the Sabres, in Buffalo. A 5-1 loss.
“Now he is always reliable when he takes his place in goal. We have all the confidence in the world in him. This contract makes me really happy for him. And I know he’s happy to be here. »
Suzuki also has fun with “Monty’s” “two personalities”: “when he’s in charge, he comes to life! He’s really focused. And when he’s not, he’s calm. He has his routine. That’s what makes it good. »