The Canadiens Have A Roster, But Someone’s Day-To-Day

While Fowler wouldn't have looked out of place on the NHL roster, Samuel Montembeault 's bounce-back performance sealed his fate. The Bécancour native has earned the right to back up Jakub Dobes , and while he won't be with the Canadiens long-term, this is the last year of his contract; Fowler may need a bit more patience before the coast is clear. Of course, Montembeault could be traded, but that's far from guaranteed, as there doesn't seem to be much of a market for him right now.

As for Beck, nobody was surprised to see him head back to Laval; he's a good player who does everything well but nothing fantastically well. He doesn't fill a gap in the Canadiens' lineup the way Florian Xhekaj brings sandpaper.

Reinbacher's return to Laval is also somewhat surprising, especially since Kaiden Guhle is injured, but he's done enough to earn a call-up as soon as circumstances warrant it. It also seems inevitable that the Habs will need to make room on their blueline sooner rather than later. Jayden Struble , Arber Xhekaj , Engstrom and Reinbacher could all play in the NHL, but once Guhle is healthy, they'll all be fighting for a single spot.