Sam Montembeault and Kris Knoblauch suddenly become part of the same conversation as Edmonton looks for answers in net.
This one has traction.
The Oilers are actively exploring options in goal, and Montembeault's name is now being tied to that search as pressure builds after another missed opportunity.
It's not a random fit.
Montembeault has handled heavy workloads in Montreal, often behind a young and inconsistent defensive group. That kind of experience matters for a team like Edmonton that plays wide open and gives up chances.
He's used to it.
And that's exactly why he's on their radar.
But this is where things get complicated fast.
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The Oilers may have found their next goalie in Montembeault and nobody saw it coming
Montreal isn't in a rush to move him.
The Canadiens finally have some stability in the crease, and moving Montembeault would create a hole they'd need to fill immediately.
That's not a small decision.
Especially for a team still shaping its identity and trying to stay competitive while developing young pieces.
Edmonton, on the other hand, doesn't have that luxury.
They need answers now.
Their window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is wide open, but goaltending continues to sit at the center of every conversation when things break down.
Montembeault offers a different profile than what they've tried.
He's calm, technically sound, and doesn't rely on chaos to make saves. That could stabilize a team that often trades chances instead of controlling play.
But the price will reflect that.
Montreal knows exactly what Edmonton is dealing with. If the Oilers come calling, it won't be a discount deal, especially for a starting-caliber goalie under control.
And that's the real question here.
Not whether Montembeault fits.
But whether Edmonton is willing to pay what it takes to fix a problem that's been hanging over them for years.
Should the Canadiens trade Sam Montembeault this summer?
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A dream goalie just opened up for the Edmonton Oilers and Stan Bowman is ready to pounce
