Canadiens Lose Montembeault for 10 to 14 Days

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will miss 10 to 14 days with an undisclosed injury, coach Martin St. Louis said Friday in Brossard. The 29-year-old suffered the issue during practice and was ruled out before his expected first start of the 2026-27 season.

According to The Canadian Press, Montembeault appeared to injure his right leg or right groin during Wednesday’s practice. The Canadiens responded by recalling Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League.

"10 to 14 days," said Martin St. Louis, Canadiens coach.

Fowler made the start against the Nashville Predators after Montembeault was unavailable, according to The Canadian Press. He allowed three goals on 18 shots in a 5-2 loss for Montreal.

The Canadiens have faced early-season goaltending challenges, according to The Canadian Press. Jakub Dobes opened the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-1-1 record, a 4.43 goals-against average and a .857 save percentage.

Dobes had been a key performer during Montreal’s run to the Eastern Conference final last season, according to The Canadian Press. The team entered its next game with a 1-2-1 record.

Montembeault, a native of Bécancour, Quebec, had been expected to return to action before the injury changed Montreal’s plans, according to The Canadian Press. The Canadiens continued preparations with Fowler available as a replacement option.

Montreal was scheduled to face the visiting Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, according to The Canadian Press. The club’s upcoming schedule remained the next opportunity for the team to adjust after losing its expected starter.