Canadiens sign Montembeault to 3-year, $9.45M extension
The Montreal Canadiens signed goaltender Sam Montembeault to a three-year extension with an average annual value of $3.15 million, the team announced Friday.
Montembeault has been stellar for the Habs this season, posting a .910 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average in 10 appearances. He's also saved 4.65 goals above expected this season, a mark that ranks 20th among all NHL goaltenders, per Evolving-Hockey. He saved 16.78 goals above expected in 40 games last season, good for 13th in the league.
It was reported in November that the Edmonton Oilers were looking at the Canadiens' goalie trio of Montembeault, Jake Allen, and Cayden Primeau in their search for help between the pipes. Montembeault was previously the only one of the three on an expiring contract.
Montembeault is a native of Becancour, Quebec, which is about a two-hour drive from Montreal.
He shined for Canada at the 2023 World Championship, helping his country win gold by registering a .939 save percentage in seven games.
The 27-year-old was originally a third-round pick by the Florida Panthers in 2015. The Canadiens claimed him off waivers from the Panthers in 2021.