Montembeault posted an .872 save percentage and 3.43 goals-against average across 25 games in 2025-26, his lowest marks since becoming a full-time NHL starter.
Montreal’s logjam creates trade opportunity
Montreal enters the 2026 offseason with three NHL-caliber goalies under contract or restricted. Montembeault’s $3.15 million cap hit through 2026-27 makes him the most movable piece after his performance dip.
The Canadiens reassigned him to the AHL in December 2025 for conditioning and limited his starts after March 6. Jakub Dobeš and Jacob Fowler took over the tandem.
Montreal’s depth chart leaves Montembeault as the odd man out despite his prior 31-24-7 record and .902 save percentage in 2024-25.
Edmonton already carries inconsistent options including Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram, both on higher or comparable deals relative to output.
A trade would allow Montreal to shed salary while giving the Oilers a 29-year-old left-catching option with 191 cm frame and prior playoff experience.
Oilers tandem economics favor the move
Edmonton’s current goaltending group projects above $8 million in combined cap hits. Adding Montembeault at $3.15 million could replace one higher-priced piece if Jarry is moved.
His 2025-26 sample of 25 games produced a .872 save percentage, yet the three-year extension signed in December 2023 still carries two seasons at that AAV.
Historical reclamation cases show goalies with similar age and size rebound when paired with stronger defensive structures, a situation Edmonton provides behind McDavid and Draisaitl.
The Oilers’ interest stems from the need for a low-cost bridge that preserves cap space for forward and defense extensions due in 2027.
Montembeault’s career .902 save percentage in 2024-25 demonstrates the baseline the Oilers would target in a new environment.
Draft and free-agent alternatives carry higher risk
Edmonton could pursue unrestricted free agents or draft a goalie, yet both paths project higher immediate cost or developmental uncertainty.
Montembeault’s trade value sits at its nadir after the 2025-26 season, allowing acquisition for mid-round picks rather than first-round assets.
If the Oilers believe his struggles were usage-related, the move pairs a proven 62-game workload season with their established core.
The Canadiens’ willingness to discuss terms before July 1 aligns with their own need to clear roster spots for younger talent.
This timeline positions Edmonton to finalize the deal while other teams remain focused on unrestricted free agency.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.