Montreal Canadiens GM Confirms Goalie Staying Put

With the Montreal Canadiens signing both Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau to new contracts, there has been some speculation over the future of Sam Montembeault with the Original Six club. With the trade deadline almost here, buzz surrounding the 26-year-old's potential avavailabilityas starting to go up, but now things can change on that front. While speaking with reporters, GM Kent Hughes noted that he views Montembeault as a part of the Canadiens' future and he will not consider trading him.

With this news, Montembeault certainly will not be available for trade this season. Furthermore, it does create some questions about if Montreal will eventually move one of Allen or Primeau. Allen is a grizzled veteran who has struggled this season, while Primeau is a young goaltender trying to become a full-time NHLer. Either way, Montreal will have some decisions to make later down the road.

Montembeault would have certainly gotten interest around the league, as he has been solid this year. In 18 games, he has a 9-7-2 record, 3.05 GAA, and .912 SV%.