Las Vegas journalist surprises with praise for Samuel Montembeault, calling it a smart move by the Canadiens

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Elias Adaime
August 24, 2024 (1:46 PM)

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When discussing the best goaltenders in the NHL, names like Sergei Bobrovsky, Thatcher Demko, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Connor Hellebuyck often come up.

Even though he is good and well-liked, Samuel Montembeault is rarely part of that conversation.

However, journalist Jesse Granger from The Athletic thinks differently.

In a recent episode of the podcast The Athletic Hockey Show with Arpon Basu, he mentioned that the Quebec native should have been part of the conversation for the Vezina Trophy for the 2023-2024 season.

Wow!

«I think Samuel Montembeault should have been considered for the Vezina last year.»

- Jesse Granger

Granger's statement surprised Basu so much that his only response was, «woah, woah, woah!»

Samuel Montembeault should have been part of the conversation, according to journalist Jesse Granger

To put Granger's comment into perspective, it's important to note that he didn't see Montembeault winning the trophy but rather being considered and part of the conversation. According to him, the evaluation should rely on advanced statistics rather than conventional ones when assessing the Quebec native.

Indeed, his goals-against average (3.14) and save percentage (.903) didn't stand out in 2023-2024. But the way he played behind a team that allowed many scoring opportunities was sensational. He was one of the reasons why the Canadiens lost many games by just one goal.

«Every Canadiens game I watched, Montembeault impressed me. I think he's a phenomenal goaltender.»

- Jesse Granger

Speaking of advanced statistics, Granger referred to the "Goals saved above expected" statistic.

As highlighted by the site DLC, Montembeault was in the top-10 in this category with +10.9.

However, that was in January, and things deteriorated somewhat towards the end of the season, as he finished 21st in the NHL among goaltenders who played at least 25 games with a +3.3.

In any case, Samuel Montembeault has become a very good asset for the Montreal Canadiens, and we are very fortunate to have him between the pipes.

In the end, both men agree on one thing: Monty is greatly underestimated. It will be interesting to see him as he starts a campaign with the true title of number 1 for the first time. He will need to lead the way for Cayden Primeau, who will likely start the season in the big league for the first time.