Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew at Last Word on Hockey. We’re just days away from the Olympic break and while some players will be off to play in the games, others will enjoy a short vacation from the ice. General managers around the league will take this time to sit back and review the areas they need to improve as well as where they feel comfortable. One of those teams is the Montreal Canadiens. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we focus on the Canadiens and their current goaltender situation.
All NHL Rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours: Update on the Canadiens Goaltender Situation
Rumour: During a segment on Melnick in the Afternoon, Pierre LeBrun spoke on the Canadiens goaltender situation. He stated that he didn’t think the Canadiens were looking to trade for a goaltender. They don’t believe there is anyone available on the market that is better than what they have. The answer is going to come from within.
Analysis: This would certainly seem like the best decision for the Canadiens. Wasting assets to acquire a netminder would not be a wise choice for the Canadiens. Sam Montembeault may be struggling; however, Jakub Dobes has been relatively solid for the Habs. Yes, he may not be producing Vezina-worthy numbers, but what he is doing is winning hockey games. Dobes currently has an 18-5-3 record with a 2.92 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage. Those numbers are drastically dragged down by a very poor month of November. Outside of that month, Dobes is 16-2-1 with a 2.41 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. So outside the month of November, he’s been outstanding for the Canadiens. He’s giving the Canadiens some much-needed stability that they need as they approach the final push for the playoffs.
Jacob Fowler Waiting in the Wings
Another reason the Canadiens don’t need to make any rash decisions regarding their goaltender situation is that they have top goaltender prospect Jacob Fowler waiting in the wings. Fowler had a very impressive first stint in the NHL, producing a record of 4-4-2 with a goals against average of 2.62 and a save percentage of .902. He showed that he is fully capable of playing in the NHL, but given the fact that they have two bona fide NHL goaltenders with the club as it is, there is no need to rush Fowler into the crease. Fowler can stay down in Laval and develop his game even further while taking the reins as the starting goaltender. Though it is peace of mind for the Canadiens knowing that if one of their goaltenders go down, they have Fowler ready to make the jump and play important games down the stretch.
Not Making a Move is Often Times the Best Move
The best move the Canadiens could make at the trade deadline when it comes to their goaltending, is not making a move at all. Dobes and Montembeault are a solid enough tandem to carry them to the playoffs, as they’ve been proving since they’ve become the Canadiens duo. And if one falters or gets injured, Fowler is more than capable to carry the load. The hope is to not have to force Fowler into that situation, but Fowler will certainly be ready if called upon. The play of these three goaltenders has been key for the Canadiens, as it allows them to use their assets in other areas of need, instead of spending them on goaltending.
Main Photo: David Kirouac-Imagn Images