Since Monday morning, the chatter around Samuel Montembeault has been relentless. The Quebec-born goaltender is suddenly at the center of heated speculation. The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be circling.
On BPM Sports, Max Lalonde and Olivier Paiement reignited the fire. According to insider David Pagnotta, Jakub Dobes’ strong start may have pushed the Canadiens to showcase Montembeault. The idea: give him more starts, put him in the shop window, and see if Edmonton bites.
Lalonde was skeptical. “I don’t think the Canadiens could trade Sam Montembeault for the simple and only reason that his name is Sam Montembeault and he’s from Bécancour,” he said.
Paiement countered. He argued that everything depends on what the Oilers would put on the table. And then he dropped the bombshell. “Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for Montembeault, I would do it! But I don’t think the Oilers would be willing to offer that.”
The statement hit like a lightning bolt. Fans erupted online. The idea of swapping a 32-year-old forward with 276 career goals for a hometown goalie split opinion instantly.
The debate is raw. The reactions are fast. And the question remains wide open.
If Dobes keeps shining and Edmonton keeps searching for a true number-one goaltender, this rumor could escalate quickly. In the NHL, things can change overnight.