Canadiens fire goalie coach Eric Raymond amid down season for Montreal goalies

By Canadian Press on January 28, 2026.

BROSSARD — The Montreal Canadiens have fired goalie coach Eric Raymond, president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton announced Wednesday.

Raymond had held the position since the 2021-22 season. The Canadiens say Marco Marciano, who served as goalie coach of the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, will take over Raymond’s duties on an interim basis until the end of the season.

The move comes amid a shaky season for Montreal’s netminders.

Incumbent starter Sam Montembeault — named to Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster last year — has a .868 save percentage and 3.46 goals-against average one season after posting a .902 save percentage and 2.80 GAA. He worked with Marciano on a conditioning loan with the Rocket in December.

Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes has fallen to a .890 save percentage and 2.96 GAA after being named the NHL’s third star of the month in October.

The goaltending troubles pushed the Canadiens in December to recall 21-year-old Jacob Fowler from Laval earlier than anticipated in his development. Fowler posted a .902 save percentage and 2.62 GAA in 10 NHL starts, but the Canadiens sent him back to the Rocket on Jan. 16 to end a three-goalie rotation.

Montreal (29-17-7) holds the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card spot despite the club sitting 25th in team save percentage this season at .879.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2026.

The Canadian Press