Samuel Montembeault admits Olympic spot unlikely after struggles and Laval stint
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
It is no surprise to anyone to read this, but unfortunately, Samuel Montembeault is truly not having the season that was hoped for.
That can always change, and he has shown some encouraging signs, but for the moment, we unfortunately cannot say that Montembeault is having a season that meets expectations.
He is literally the worst goaltender in the National Hockey League, according to several important statistics, and his save percentage slightly below .860 is simply not good enough.
If we remember correctly, at the beginning of the season, he was among the favorites to secure one of the three spots on Team Canada in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. In fact, his spot as a Team Canada goalie seemed practically assured.
Today, everything has completely changed.
Samuel Montembeault makes a public statement about the Olympic Games and Team Canada
Recently, the Quebec goaltender admitted himself that it is probably time for him to move on and give up the idea of representing his country at the Olympic Games.
It would have been incredible, and it surely would have been a dream for him, but the most important thing for Samuel is to get back to helping the Montreal Canadiens win games.
Montembeault on if making Team Canada in on his mind:
"The start of the season I'm not doing well for that so I don't think about it. I just want to focus on my game, get it back together & we'll see what happens with that but I need to focus here & play better for the Habs."
- Via Priyanta Emrith
"The start of the season I'm not doing well for that so I don't think about it. I just want to focus on my game, get it back together & we'll see what happens with that but I need to focus here & play better for the Habs."
- Via Priyanta Emrith
Knowing he still has not regained his form, it is no coincidence he was sent down to the Laval Rocket.
He now appears to be shifting focus, and his comments suggest he is effectively acknowledging he will not be selected for the Olympic Games. With time running out, he may have to accept that participation in 2026 is no longer realistic.
The rosters will be announced shortly, and according to the majority of reliable sources like Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman, the goaltenders who would be in consideration are names like Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, Scott Wedgewood, and Darcy Kuemper.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19|1232 ANSWERS Samuel Montembeault admits Olympic spot unlikely after struggles and Laval stint Who do you think will be Canada's number one goaltender? | ||
| Binnington | 544 | 44.2 % |
| Kuemper | 93 | 7.5 % |
| Thompson | 501 | 40.7 % |
| Wedgewood or other | 94 | 7.6 % |
| List of polls | ||