Samuel Montembeault reveals he was caught off guard by Canadiens’ goalie coaching change
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The administrative decision announced Wednesday by the Montreal Canadiens caught several members of the organization off guard, including goaltender Montembeault.
The Habs goaltender reacted with shock to the departure of Éric Raymond, who had overseen his work since he joined the team in 2021.
According to information reported by journalist Renaud Lavoie on BPM Sports, Montembeault was visibly "stunned" upon learning the news.
It is important to clarify that the goaltender from Bécancour played no role in this personnel change.
He never called for his instructor’s dismissal.
On the contrary, the two men shared an excellent professional and personal relationship.
However, the statistical results of the current campaign, notably a .868 save percentage, forced the hand of upper management.
The leadership group felt that a new voice was necessary to allow number 35 to rediscover his technical bearings.
"I was told is that Samuel was 'shaken' (in shock) when he learned of Éric Raymond’s departure. He’s not the one who was scheming behind the scenes to call for his dismissal."
- Renaud Lavoie during his appearance on Le club du matin on BPM Sports.
- Renaud Lavoie during his appearance on Le club du matin on BPM Sports.
A second dismissal for Éric Raymond under the Jeff Gorton era
Analyst Renaud Lavoie raised an interesting point regarding the history between the head of hockey operations and the dismissed coach.
This is the second time Jeff Gorton has shown Éric Raymond the door.
The same situation occurred during the 2019–2020 season, when Raymond was coaching the goaltenders of the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford.
In addition, Raymond was viewed as a holdover from the previous administration, having been hired under the Marc Bergevin and Dominique Ducharme era.
Jeff Gorton also addressed the situation Wednesday, confirming that the coach’s contract would not have been renewed at the end of the season and that he no longer fit into the organization’s long-term plans.
The changing of the guard now places Marco Marciano in the spotlight. The 43-year-old earns a well-deserved promotion following his success with the Laval Rocket.
This transition now puts enormous pressure on the shoulders of the goaltenders.
It remains to be seen whether this intervention will be enough to resolve the Canadiens’ issues in goal.
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