Sam Montembeault Leg Injury and the Door May Open for Jacob Fowler

· Yahoo Sports

Mar 20, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) fights for position against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble (47) and goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) during the second period at UBS Arena. Ma… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Colton Osmond, Dept Manager

The injury bug appears to have struck the Montreal Canadiens. After yesterday’s announcement that Ivan Demidov would be sidelined, today it is Sam Montembeault leg injury being reported. In Wednesday’s practice, the backup netminder made a swift departure favouring his right leg. This development raises concern as he was the projected starter for Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators.

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September 22, 2025; Montreal, Quebec; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler (32) celebrates the win against the Pittsburgh Penguins with teammates at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Sam Montembeault Leg Injury Under Evaluation

The goaltender appeared to be in significant discomfort having gone down on a routine play that did not involve contact with another player. Montembeault has not played a game for the Montreal Canadiens since March 6th, 2026, after losing the starter’s net to rookie Jakub Dobes. The veteran struggled mightily last season, and was eventually the third-string goalie while the Habs relied upon a duo of Dobes and prospect Jacob Fowler.

In the post-practice press conference, head coach Martin St. Louis was asked about the injury and he advised that he did not have an update, but confirmed that Montembeault was being evaluated.

Impact for the Canadiens of the Sam Montembeault Leg Injury

Montembeault is one of three NHL-ready goaltenders in the Montreal Canadiens organization. The Habs were expected to find a trade for Montembeault in the offseason after the veteran lost his net last year. Jakub Dobes was extended this summer and was believed to be the intended starter in Montreal. Dobes has played all three of Montreal’s games so far this season.

The Canadiens also have high value for Fowler, and he is believed to be the starting netminder of the future in Montreal. It was expected that he would be Dobes’ backup this season, but when a trade did not materialize for Montembeault, the Habs had decisions to make. Montembeault had a strong camp and preseason and Fowler was not subject to waivers, so a business decision was made.

If Montembeault is injured and cannot be in the lineup on Thursday night, the Canadiens will have to call up Fowler.

A Door Opens for Fowler with the Montembeault Leg Injury

Montembeault was expected to get the call against Nashville with Dobes having played in three-straight games. If Fowler is called up, he may get the start. He has been rock solid in his starts in Laval so far this season, and the Habs may choose to rest Dobes as planned. This is an opportunity for Fowler to show that he is NHL ready and force his way into the Montreal Canadiens lineup as a regular.

The Last Word

The Sam Montembeault leg injury is a disappointment for the player, and may throw a wrench into the Montreal Canadiens plans for this week. Whatever the outcome of Montembeault’s evaluation, the Habs are in good shape with Jacob Fowler shining in Laval and ready to make an impact in Montreal.

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Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

 

 

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