Is Samuel Montembeault a true number one goalie? The question has been heard often this season, and Kent Hughes took advantage of the review day on Wednesday to offer his own answer.
“Yes, for us, Sam demonstrated this year that he was capable of being our number one,” replied the general manager Wednesday morning at the Brossard training center. People have asked this question a lot since the start of the season… I think he’s our number one, but we want him to be able to continue to push himself to be the best goalie he can be. It’s the same thing for Cayden Primeau. I don’t like to give a title that leads someone else to believe that there is no place […] We want there to be competition internally. »
In the immediate future, therefore, the Canadian’s net will largely return to Montembeault. At 27 years old, the Quebec goalkeeper is coming off the best season of his career, having played in 41 games, a record for him. This confirmation as a starting goalkeeper should mean a slightly greater workload for him starting in October.
When informed of his boss’s comments, the Quebec goalkeeper could not suppress a smile, he who considers having had “a good season in general”.
“It’s definitely nice to hear that,” Montembeault said of Kent Hughes’ kind words. There is no guarantee, it will be another big summer for me. I’m going to take the time to rest and have a full summer of work to be ready for next season. Like I said, nothing is ever certain, so it will be up to me to continue to do well next season. »
And this workload, which could turn out to be heavier next time? It’s not something that seems to scare the main person involved.
“Goalkeepers who have 60-game seasons, we see that less and less… It’s certain, there are still guys like (Connor) Hellebuyck, who are capable of taking on bigger workloads. But I think both of us here, we’re really good goalies, we have a great relationship, so we’re just going to try to push each other, practice and help the team win. »
Primeau, the other member of this masked duo, believes he has made progress this season.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
“If we compare with training camp, I find that I am a different goalie,” said Cayden Primeau.
“If we compare with training camp, I find that I am a different goalkeeper,” replied the young assistant. Being able to practice every day with these guys, spending an entire season in the NHL… I became a completely different goalie compared to who I was during camp. »
Samuel Montembeault, for his part, had the chance to extend his season, being invited by the management of Team Canada last week in preparation for the next World Hockey Championships, presented in May. But this time, unlike last year, he chose to decline this invitation.
He sets off on vacation with his head full of optimistic thoughts for the future.
“I really like the direction we’re going as a team,” he added. We can just keep improving. We’re here, the guys want to win and play important matches in March, in April. We’re going to prepare for that this summer. »