The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be in active trade talks with the Montreal Canadiens to acquire goaltender Samuel Montembeault and veteran forward Brendan Gallagher. The potential blockbuster would address two key needs for the Oilers while giving Montreal much-needed cap flexibility and future assets.
Montembeault, 29, carries a $3.15 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season and has shown starter-level potential in the past. The Canadiens are expected to move him to make room for young netminders Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler. With Stuart Skinner’s playoff struggles and Tristan Jarry’s inconsistent performance last season, Montembeault could provide a stable backup or even a starter in a tandem setup.
Gallagher, 34, is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $6.5 million cap hit for 2026-27. The Canadiens have confirmed he will not return next season, and Montreal is expected to retain up to $3.25 million in salary to ease the trade. His gritty, playoff-tested style fits well with Edmonton’s top-heavy lineup led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. A bottom-six presence like Gallagher could stabilize the dressing room and bring physicality.
In a reported trade framework, Montreal would receive a mid-tier prospect, forward Mattias Janmark, and draft picks including a 2027 second-rounder and possibly a 2028 third or 2029 fourth-rounder. The Oilers would gain immediate help in net and a veteran leader without sacrificing top-tier assets.
The move makes sense for both teams. The Oilers are looking to stabilize after a lackluster playoff exit and could use Gallagher’s leadership and Montembeault’s experience. For Montreal, shedding $6.4 million in cap space opens the door for a playoff push or a rebuild.
A deal involving Montembeault alone is more likely than the full Gallagher package. If Gallagher is bought out instead, it could actually increase Edmonton’s interest in acquiring him at a reduced cap hit.
The Oilers are expected to finalize their plans by the July 1 trade deadline. With the Stanley Cup Final still fresh in their minds, Edmonton is moving quickly to position itself for another deep playoff run.
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