# Montreal Canadiens goaltending competition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montreal-canadiens-goaltending-competition > Updated: 2026-09-22T14:31:30.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Montreal Canadiens are managing competition and uncertainty within their goaltending rotation during the NHL preseason. Following a breakout performance that helped lead the team to the conference finals, Jakub Dobeš is competing for a starting role. Dobeš has acknowledged the strength of the team’s goaltending group, stating, “We will all fight for it. Whoever deserves it most will play.” General Manager Kent Hughes has suggested the roster may only carry two goaltenders for the regular season. Concurrently, Samuel Montembeault has become a subject of trade rumors as his contract approaches expiration next summer. Despite previously serving as a third-string option, Montembeault has received praise from coach Martin St-Louis for an excellent training camp, with St-Louis noting that he “hasn't forgotten how to play goal.” His strong performance has created questions regarding his specific role heading into the season opener. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault faces trade rumors amid strong camp Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault is facing trade speculation despite receiving praise from coach Martin St-Louis for a strong training camp performance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-goalie-samuel-montembeault-faces-trade-rumors-amid-strong-camp ### 2026-09-21: Jakub Dobeš faces competition for Montreal Canadiens starting goaltender role Czech goaltender Jakub Dobeš is competing for the Montreal Canadiens' starting role following a strong postseason, recently contributing an assist in a preseason win against Ottawa. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jakub-dobe-faces-competition-for-montreal-canadiens-starting-goaltender-role --- Cite as: Montreal Canadiens goaltending competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montreal-canadiens-goaltending-competition