Montreal Canadiens player leaves the team for personal reasons

While many NHL stars were in Italy for the Winter Games, Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault had to watch from home. His early-season inconsistencies cost him a shot at representing Team Canada, despite acting as Team Canada's third goaltender at the 4-Nations Face-Off.

Losing out on an Olympic roster spot was a tough pill to swallow for the Quebec native. However, he hasn't let the snub define his entire campaign.

Before the break, the goalie finally started to find his rhythm. He proved he could still carry the load for a very young and contending rebuilding Habs roster.

However, today, a new development suggests further complications for him.

The news broke earlier today: Montembeault wasn't at Habs practice for personal reasons.

According to insider Maxime Truman, the goalie should return to the ice soon:

Professional organizations usually provide athletes the necessary space for family matters. The timing isn't ideal, but the priority remains on the person behind the mask.

Montembeault is expected to rejoin the group within the next few hours. This short stint away shouldn't derail his preparation for the upcoming schedule.

The Canadiens are gearing up for a critical stretch. They return to game action this Thursday as the NHL schedule resumes following the Olympic break.

Career-wise, he has faced plenty of adversity, but his recent performance has been much more efficient. He is playing with more confidence in the blue paint.

He currently holds a 3.34 GAA and a .875 save percentage. While those numbers aren't exactly elite, they reflect a goaltender who battles for every win, and also don't show how he has truly played in recent weeks.

The Canadiens are currently second in the Atlantic Division with 72 points.

Stay tuned for more.