Florida Panthers: Evaluating promising netminder Samuel Montembeault

Florida Panthers’ top goalie prospect Samuel Montembeault is most likely several years away from potentially obtaining the starting job in-goal; with future hall of famer Roberto Luongo and experienced veteran James Reimer currently occupying the crease.

The former 3rd rounder selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft undoubtedly contains a boatload of potential; as Sam has displayed his exceptional talent in the QMJHL over the past 4 seasons. Sam’s athleticism is simply off the charts incredible, as he’s easily able to glide from post to post in a matter of milliseconds. Montembeault has shown steady signs of improvement following every season in the QMJHL.

In 41 regular season games this previous year, Sam posted an utterly impressive slash line of 2.40GAA and .907SVS%, in what’s considered as being Canada’s highest scoring junior league. Monty’s miraculous numbers only soared as the playoffs began; registering an unbelievably incredible line of 2.35GAA and .910SVS%, while participating in 18 extremely intense playoff contests. Sam subsequently received the prestigious honor of being named to the QMJHL’s 2nd all star team (well deserved).

The Florida Panthers will be allowing Sam Montembeault to continue his development down in the AHL, signaling that Sam’s continually progressing-receiving recognition from FLA’s front office following his outstanding junior career. The Cats are incredibly anxious to see how Sam will eventually adapt to a tougher, increasingly challenging league. The Panthers aren’t planning on accelerating Montembeault’s development soon, therefore enabling Monty to acclimate himself to his surroundings in Springfield.

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Entering unfamiliar territory could potentially result in brief stretches of struggles; understandably because Sam has never played against AHL level competition. However, Monty should experience immediate success due to his proven track record while playing in juniors, supreme athletic ability, veteran-esque instincts, lightning-fast reflexes and extreme mobility for his position.

Following the highly anticipated retirement of Roberto Luongo (expected in a year or two), the 20-year-old Canadian native could possibly share duties with James Reimer in the foreseeable future.