The Montreal Canadiens are entering the new season with a fresh perspective and renewed confidence in their goaltending department. After a year filled with high expectations and intense workloads, the team’s management has taken a step back to reassess their approach, signaling a significant shift in philosophy.

With Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton taking a more active role in communicating the team’s plans, fans and analysts alike are paying close attention to every move and statement coming from the organization.

This summer has been marked by transparency and strategic thinking, as the Canadiens look to build a sustainable foundation for long-term success. The goaltending situation, once considered a major question mark, is now emerging as a potential strength thanks to a combination of experienced talent and promising prospects.

As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, all eyes are on how they will manage their netminders and what this new direction could mean for the future of the franchise.

Jan 6, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) and goalie Jakub Dobes (75) during the warmup period before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Clearly, Jeff Gorton has been very present in the media this summer, and more recently, he spoke about the Montreal Canadiens’ number-one goaltender, Samuel Montembeault.

In an interview with RG Media, Jeff Gorton confirmed what we suspected about the Montreal Canadiens’ plan for Samuel Montembeault.

The plan has changed – management has changed their minds, and they no longer want to give Monty 62 games or more next season.

It’s not an experiment they want to repeat.

Jeff Gorton Already Announces That Samuel Montembeault Will Not Play 62 Games or More Next Season

At least, that’s the intention of management.

Montreal Canadiens Executive VP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton on goalie Sam Montembeault’s workload next season:

“So, you kind of have to roll with who’s the hot hand, and that’s kind of how he ended up playing so many games, but the goal is to never play someone anymore into the sixties, so we’ll see how it goes”

This will definitely be an interesting storyline to follow, and it also helps explain the acquisition of the intriguing goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen.

Canadiens management truly wants to have two strong goaltenders, and they clearly want Samuel to play fewer games starting in the 2025-26 season.

Let’s recall that Montembeault played 62 games last season, plus three NHL playoff games.

Jeff Gorton also spoke, of course, about young Jacob Fowler:

Montreal Canadiens Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, Jeff Gorton, on the phenomenal goaltender Jacob Fowler via RG Media:

“He’s got swagger, he’s got confidence, but he handles it the right way. So, we’ll see, and I think he kind of knows what the path looks like for him.”

Personally, I believe the Montreal Canadiens are in a strong position in net at all levels, and I truly think Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have successfully (and quickly) turned a weakness into a strength and an asset.