NHL Rumors: Canadiens' Goalie Not Being Traded

For now, the Montreal Canadiens seem to have found their goaltender of the future in Sam Montembeault. That's not to say he is their next franchise goalies or will even be in their plans in five years, but they have liked what they've seen and are giving Montembeault a chance.

According to Eric Engels, the Canadiens won't consider trading Montembeault at this time. The 26-year-old has stepped up and assumed the starting role in Montreal as his numbers far exceed Jake Allen's this season. At this time, Montembeault has started seven fewer games, but has also started seven games in a row.

He has a record of 10-8-2 with a .911 save percentage (SV%) and 3.9 goals saved above average (GSAA) compared to Allen who has a record of 10-16-1, a SV% of .892, and a GSAA of -11.4. This difference this season gives the Canadiens the ability to open trade discussions for Allen to free up even more cap space and potentially allow Cayden Primeau more time in the NHL moving forward.

Montembeault is just in his fourth season in the NHL and second with the Canadiens. He appears to have finally reached the age of maturity where his game has started to come into form. If he can keep trending upwards, the Canadiens don't have to worry about going out and drafting a goaltender with a high pick or acquiring a costly starter anytime soon.