Overview
- The team confirmed a short-term conditioning loan to the AHL’s Laval Rocket after Montembeault agreed to the move.
- Jacob Fowler was named the NHL starter with Jakub Dobeš backing up while Montembeault gets game reps in the AHL.
- Montembeault has a 5-6-1 record with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .857 save percentage, last starting on Dec. 2 and appearing in relief on Dec. 9.
- He is expected to play Laval’s road games in Cleveland this week and rejoin the NHL group soon, with the CBA limiting such loans to 14 days and coach Martin St. Louis indicating a return by Sunday.
- Despite the struggles in goal, Montreal remains 17-11-4 and third in the Atlantic Division, and Montembeault is under contract for another season at a reported $3.15 million cap hit.