Michael DeRosa · The Hockey News - Montreal Canadiens Sun, November 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM UTC · 1 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Montreal Canadiens have a clear trade candidate with goaltender Samuel Montembeault.
With the Canadiens having Jacob Fowler and Jakob Dobes, it would make sense if Montreal moved on from a pending UFA netminder like Montembeault.
When looking at potential trade destinations for Montembeault, the New York Rangers are only continuing to stand out more.
On Saturday, the Rangers placed goalie James Reimer on unconditional waivers for the purposes of contract termination. While New York recently got back Joonas Korpisalo from injury, it would not hurt for them to add another experienced goalie with Reimer's contract being terminated. Thus, Montembeault could make a lot of sense for New York as they aim to make the playoffs.
If the Rangers acquired Montembeault, he would give them another proven NHL goalie to work with. This would especially be the case if he bounced back in New York after his tough 2025-26 season with the Canadiens.
Montembeault is also continuing to make progress with his injury recovery, as he skated on Saturday.
Ultimately, Montembeault could be a solid pickup for a team like the Rangers. The Canadiens could also benefit by trading the 30-year-old, as they would move on from his $3.15 million cap hit.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Canadiens and Rangers link up to make a Montembeault trade from here.
Source: Sports
