Samuel Montembeault must today ruminate on his regrets, while goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood lands a five-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, accompanied by an annual salary much higher than his own. ($5.25 million per year).
However, the two goalkeepers have comparable career paths this season, but Montembeault finds himself stuck with a discount contract that ties him to the Montreal Canadiens for three seasons at only $3.15 million per year.
Blackwood, 28, the same age as Montembeault, has just signed an agreement that secures him for the next five years with a key role in one of the most competitive clubs in the NHL.
His arrival in Colorado was spectacular, posting a 2.03 goals-against average and .931 save percentage in four games.
These impressive numbers, although limited, convinced the Avalanche to bank on him as a long-term pillar.
And yet Montembeault, who was selected to represent Canada at this year’s World Championship – an honor Blackwood did not receive – is posting equally strong numbers and has proven his talent on the international stage.
The difference? Montembeault accepted a discount contract to stay in Montreal, sacrificing his real market value.
While Blackwood negotiated with the Avalanche to maximize his value, Montembeault and his agent, Paul Corbeil, opted for loyalty to the Canadiens.
Result: Montembeault is now among the lowest paid goalkeepers in the league, despite a year where he established himself as a centerpiece of the CH.
The contrast is all the more cruel when we consider that Montembeault could have easily landed a contract comparable to Blackwood’s, or even better, if he had tested the free agent market.
His performance in 2023-24, combined with his age and growth potential, would have made him an ideal candidate for a team looking for a reliable goaltender.
Worse still, Montembeault is now in a situation where he could be traded at any time, given the absence of a no-trade clause in his contract.
With the emergence of Jacob Fowler in the Canadiens organization, often referred to as “the next Carey Price”, the chances of seeing Montembeault continue his career in Montreal are dwindling.
The recall of Jakub Dobes has just added fuel to the fire and reminds everyone that the tandem of the future is indeed that of Fowler-Dobes.
Montembeault could well become a bargaining chip for the Canadian in the next two years.
This proves the monumental error of Montembeault and his agent. While Blackwood relishes his guaranteed future within an ambitious organization, Montembeault, despite his success, finds himself trapped by a contract that in no way reflects his talent or his contribution.
A harsh, but essential, lesson for any player who underestimates his own worth.
