Canadiens 2026-27 Player Previews: Goaltenders – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

Goaltending was one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Montreal Canadiens throughout the 2025-26 season, and that should remain the case heading into 2026-27. However, the questions are much different than they were a year ago.

Jakub Dobes emerged as a legitimate option between the pipes and carried that momentum into the playoffs. Jacob Fowler got his first extended taste of NHL action and continued to show why he is viewed as one of the organization’s most important young players. Meanwhile, Samuel Montembeault went in the opposite direction, struggling to maintain his role after entering the season as Montreal’s established starter.

The Canadiens now have three goaltenders capable of pushing for NHL starts, but with Dobes seemingly entering training camp with the lead, it will be interesting to see how the organization divides the workload.

Jakub Dobes

Few Canadiens improved their stock more during the 2025-26 season than Dobes. The 25-year-old finished the regular season with an impressive 29-10-4 record. More importantly, when the Canadiens needed someone to take control of the crease, Dobes did exactly that. His strong second half eventually allowed him to move ahead of Montembeault on the depth chart.

Then came the playoffs. Dobes went 9-6-4 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .908 save percentage during Montreal’s run. The numbers were solid, but his impact went beyond the stat sheet. Dobes looked comfortable in important situations and proved capable of handling the pressure that comes with being the Canadiens’ starting goaltender in the postseason.

After receiving a new contract during the summer, Dobes will enter 2026-27 in a completely different position. He is no longer simply trying to prove that he belongs in the NHL. He now has an opportunity to establish himself as Montreal’s long-term starter. The challenge will be proving that last season wasn’t just a breakout year. Dobes has only 59 regular-season NHL games under his belt, meaning there is still plenty to learn about him. If he can build on what he showed last season and in the playoffs, however, Montreal might already have its answer in net.

Jacob Fowler

Fowler might be the biggest wildcard of the group. For years, the Canadiens have viewed him as one of their best goaltending prospects, and his first significant NHL opportunity did little to change that perception. Fowler finished 2025-26 with a 9-6-2 record, a 2.43 GAA and a .908 SV%. For a young goaltender making the jump to the NHL, those were encouraging results.

Fowler is close enough to the NHL that he could realistically earn a roster spot out of training camp. At the same time, the Canadiens don’t need to rush him. If Dobes has established himself as the starter, Montreal will have to determine whether Fowler is better served playing behind him or receiving a heavier workload with the Laval Rocket.

His performance at camp could make that decision easier. The long-term potential is obvious. Fowler has consistently taken steps forward throughout his development, and 2026-27 could be the season where he establishes himself as a full-time NHL goaltender. A Dobes-Fowler tandem would also give Montreal one of the youngest and most intriguing goaltending combinations in the league.

Samuel Montembeault

Montembeault enters camp in unfamiliar territory. After spending several seasons establishing himself as Montreal’s starter, his difficult 2025-26 campaign opened the door for Dobes and Fowler. By the end of the season, the organization’s goaltending hierarchy looked much different than it did at the beginning.

That doesn’t mean Montembeault should be completely counted out. He is still with the organization and has significantly more NHL experience than either Dobes or Fowler. A strong training camp could put him right back into the conversation for starts, especially if the Canadiens decide Fowler would benefit from playing more frequently rather than serving in a secondary NHL role.

Still, Montembeault has plenty to prove. With two younger goaltenders pushing for opportunities, there isn’t much room for another prolonged stretch of inconsistent play.

The Canadiens are in an interesting position because they don’t necessarily need to make an immediate long-term decision. Ideally for Montreal, Dobes takes another step and establishes himself as the clear starter while Fowler continues his development behind him. That would give the Canadiens a young tandem capable of growing alongside the rest of their core.