Sam Montembeault Bio
Sam Montembeault is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 77th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Montembeault has established himself as a reliable presence in goal with notable performances in both the NHL and international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 30, 1996, in Bécancour, Quebec, Canada, Sam Montembeault began his hockey journey playing midget hockey with the Trois-Rivières Estacades in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League from 2011 to 2013. His early promise was recognized when he earned the league’s Best Goalie Prospect award and was named to the Second All-Star Team during the 2012–13 season. Montembeault was then drafted 40th overall by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the 2013 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) entry draft.
Path to Hockey
Montembeault’s development continued in the QMJHL, where he played a career-high 52 games in the 2014–15 season. His strong play caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He returned for his final major junior season with the Armada, posting career-best statistics and leading his team into the postseason, where he earned recognition as the Vaughn Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week.
Sam Montembeault Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Montembeault began his professional career attending the Florida Panthers training camp in 2017 before being assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. He made his professional debut on October 13, 2017, and secured his first win shortly after. Over the 2017–18 season, he recorded 13 wins in 41 games. The following season, he continued in the AHL before receiving his first NHL recall in February 2019. Montembeault made his NHL debut on March 2, 2019, in a close overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2021–Present)
On October 2, 2021, Montembeault was claimed off waivers by the Montreal Canadiens. He debuted with the Canadiens in the preseason and soon became the primary backup goaltender due to Carey Price’s leave of absence. Injuries to starting goaltender Jake Allen allowed Montembeault to step into the starting role intermittently during the 2021–22 season, where he set team records for consecutive games with 48 or more saves and earned his first NHL shutout. He signed a two-year contract extension with Montreal in July 2022. During the 2022–23 season, Montembeault’s performance improved significantly, leading to a shared starting role with Allen. In the 2023–24 season, he was re-signed to a three-year, $9.45 million contract and set an NHL record for most saves in a season-opening shutout. He played a key role in helping the Canadiens qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four years.
Driving Style and Strengths
Montembeault is known for his resilience and ability to handle high shot volumes, demonstrated by his record-setting consecutive games with 48 or more saves. His strong positioning and composure under pressure have made him a dependable goaltender, especially in high-stakes games.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Montembeault’s milestones are setting an NHL record for most saves in a season-opening shutout and becoming the first goaltender in Montreal Canadiens history to post 48 or more saves in two consecutive games. He also earned his first NHL shutout win against the Buffalo Sabres in February 2022.
Sam Montembeault Career Wins
Throughout his career, Montembeault has accumulated numerous wins across the AHL and NHL, highlighted by his increasing role as a starting goaltender with the Montreal Canadiens. His career-best season includes 17 wins during the 2024–25 NHL campaign.
NHL Highlights
Montembeault’s NHL career began with the Florida Panthers, where he made his debut in 2019. After joining the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, he quickly made an impact, earning his first NHL shutout and setting franchise records. His performance in the 2024–25 season marked a personal best with 17 wins and a key role in the Canadiens’ playoff qualification.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to his NHL career, Montembeault showed promise in the QMJHL and AHL, where he earned multiple wins and accolades, including the Vaughn Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week and strong postseason performances.
Sam Montembeault Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Montembeault’s family background are limited, but he has one brother named Matthieu. There is no public information linking his family to professional sports.
Personal Life
Montembeault was an avid baseball player in his youth, primarily as a catcher, and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox. He met his fiancée, Daryanne Ayotte, while playing in the QMJHL. The couple became engaged in September 2024 and were married eleven months later in Montreal.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2024–25 NHL season, Montembeault set an NHL record for most saves in a season-opening shutout and achieved a career-best 17 wins. He was instrumental in the Montreal Canadiens securing a playoff spot for the first time in four years. Montembeault started his first NHL playoff game, making 29 saves in an overtime loss. Despite suffering a groin injury during the playoffs, he remained a key figure for the team. The following season began with some struggles, leading to a conditioning reassignment to the AHL in December 2025, reflecting the physical demands and competitive nature of his role.