Samuel Montembeault is suddenly on Edmonton's radar, giving Mike Babcock another major storyline as Oilers training camp approaches.
This isn't being framed as a random social-media proposal. Montembeault has now been connected to the Oilers through separate reporting, with Edmonton's interest reportedly reaching beyond simple speculation.
Maxime Truman previously reported that Edmonton had contacted Montreal about Montembeault's availability, an important detail that changes the tone surrounding the potential deal.
Karine Hains of The Hockey News has also identified Edmonton as a potential destination, giving the connection another layer as both clubs prepare for camp.
That doesn't mean a deal is close. There's been no report that negotiations have reached an advanced stage, and nothing suggests Montreal has committed to moving Montembeault.
But an actual inquiry from the Oilers would make this considerably different from the usual offseason trade-board chatter.
Oilers have a real reason to keep calling Montreal
Edmonton's interest makes sense because the crease remains an area where management can still make a meaningful change before puck drop on the new season.
Stan Bowman is running an Oilers team built to contend immediately, and changing the goaltending mix would be a significant late-summer move rather than a depth adjustment.
Montreal also has decisions to make in net, creating the type of roster situation that can open a trade conversation when another club starts calling.
That's what gives this report some weight. There's a potential buyer with a clear need, a possible seller facing its own crease decisions, and reporting that contact has already taken place.
For Edmonton, the timing is notable. A move before camp would give Babcock time to establish his goaltending rotation rather than forcing the Oilers to address the position after the season begins.
Montembeault wouldn't arrive as an anonymous reclamation project either. Edmonton would be targeting a goaltender the organization has reportedly already investigated as a possible fit.
Nothing is done, but this has moved far enough to watch closely. If Bowman wants another answer in net before camp opens, Montembeault now looks like one of the names firmly connected to Edmonton's search.
Should the Oilers trade for Samuel Montembeault before training camp?
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