Canadiens Rumors: Will Montreal Make a Move For A Goaltender?

In his latest column for The Montreal Gazette, Pat Hickey argues that the Montreal Canadiens should prioritize trading for a goaltender over acquiring additional forwards or defensemen. 

Despite recent rumors linking the team to players like Boston’s Trent Frederic and Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras, Hickey believes these moves would fail to address the Canadiens' core issue: a lack of stability in net. 

Frederic’s physical style wouldn’t provide much more than Montreal’s depth players like Michael Pezzetta, and while Zegras is skilled, Hickey explains that “if you want a center who is defensively responsible and can win faceoffs, [Zegras] isn’t the answer.”

Amongst goalies with at least 6 GP, Sam Montembeault is 35th in the #NHL in Sv% at .888 & 42nd in GAA at 3.51.

Yes, the defense and defensive coverage are horrible, but you’re not going to win many games with a starter like that.

Unfortunately Primeau is worse.#GoHabsGo #Habs pic.twitter.com/0Go8qVp6tu

— JD Lagrange (@JD_Lagrange) November 10, 2024

Hickey notes Montreal’s goaltending woes, citing the inconsistency of the current tandem of Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau, both of whom rank outside the top 50 in goals-against average. 

He notes that, apart from Montembeault’s strong start, neither has delivered the kind of “game-stealing” performance essential for a young, rebuilding team. 

Without a true No. 1 goaltender to anchor the team, Montreal’s promising defense struggles to execute the system effectively, resulting in a lack of support for the team’s development efforts and in-game competitiveness.

WILLIAM NYLANDER 🚨

END-TO-END POWER PLAY GOAL! pic.twitter.com/sVjdkoheyE

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 10, 2024

Although there’s no immediate urgency to make a move, Hickey insists that finding a reliable goaltender should be a top priority for Montreal’s long-term strategy. 

He acknowledges fans' hopes for college prospect Jacob Fowler but warns that U.S. collegiate goalies can be “hit-or-miss” in their transition to the NHL. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images