Contract Year Pressures
As the Canadiens gear up for the next campaign, two pivotal figures — defenceman Alexandre Carrier and goaltender Samuel Montembeault — are each playing out the final season of their existing deals. Their performances will directly influence whether they secure new contracts or become expendable assets in a reshaped lineup.
Montembeault’s recent statistics paint a stark picture: a 3.43 goals‑against average and a .872 save percentage that left him vulnerable. The emergence of Jakub Dobes as a reliable starter has opened the door for a potential trade, prompting the net‑minder to focus on regaining form and confidence before the season begins.
Carrier, meanwhile, brings a steady 0.30 points per game to the blue line and has seen his shooting percentage climb noticeably over the past year. His effectiveness, however, hinges on how well he meshes with top pairing partners such as Mike Matheson and Kaiden Guhle, while younger prospects like David Reinbacher push for ice time.
The broader roster decisions will hinge on these dynamics. With depth chart spots up for grabs, the club must balance the experience of veterans like Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault against the upside of emerging talents such as Lane Hutson, Jacob Fowler, and the defensive prospects Bryce Pickford and Bogdan Konyushkov.