Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault faced a difficult season after beginning the year as the team's top netminder.
The Becancour native originally aimed for a spot on Canada's national team but ended the season watching two rookies take over in goal.
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During the team's post-mortem media session, Montembeault said the organization treated him fairly and maintained excellent communication throughout the year.
He noted that management informed him well in advance about Jacob Fowler's call-up, so he was never caught off guard by decisions.
When asked if he felt ready to move on from the Canadiens, Montembeault clarified his stance.
"No, I still have a year left on my contract, and I'm not the one calling the shots.
What's important for me now is to have a good summer and be ready for next season. We'll see what happens when it does," he said.
Regarding his on-ice struggles, the goaltender pointed to his psychological approach.
"I think I didn't arrive with the right mindset.
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I was putting too much pressure on myself, and when things started to unravel, I was in my head too much.
As a goalie, that might be the worst thing you can do," Montembeault explained.
He added that he was overthinking during games instead of focusing on making big saves.
Montembeault used his time off to improve his physical conditioning and said he is currently in the best shape of his professional career.
To address his mental game, he received consistent support after Christmas by consulting a sports psychologist and working with Marco Marciano.
Despite navigating another crowded three-goalie rotation, he noted the dressing room dynamic remained positive and all three goaltenders maintained an excellent relationship.
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Montembeault remains uncertain about his NHL future but expressed readiness to support younger teammates if he stays in Montreal next season, replicating the mentorship role he embraced throughout the year and playoffs.
