Oilers linked to a surprising trade target in net just ahead of training camp

The Edmonton Oilers have spent much of the offseason trying to shore up their goaltending, and now a familiar name from the Eastern Conference is being linked to the club.

According to recent reporting, Samuel Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens has emerged as a realistic trade target for Edmonton. Karine Hains of The Hockey News recently identified the Oilers as a potential fit for the netminder, while earlier reporting from Maxime Truman indicated that Edmonton had already reached out to Montreal regarding Montembeault's availability.

The logic behind the pairing is straightforward. Edmonton has been searching for more stability between the pipes, and the Oilers' goaltending situation remains unsettled as the team heads into the summer. On the other side, Montreal's crease has become increasingly crowded, which could force the Canadiens into making a decision sooner rather than later.

Montembeault's contract also makes the potential deal palatable from a cap perspective. The goaltender carries a $3.15 million cap hit, meaning Edmonton would not be absorbing a massive financial commitment to address one of its most pressing roster needs.

It is worth noting that there is no indication a trade is imminent or that negotiations have reached an advanced stage. The connection between the two teams, however, has now been raised by multiple sources, giving it more weight than a simple rumor.

This remains a situation to monitor closely as both franchises evaluate their rosters ahead of training camp. With Edmonton still seeking answers in net and Montreal potentially looking to clear space for younger options, the ingredients for a deal are certainly in place.