"It was something we thought we needed to provide our group a while ago," Edmonton coach Todd McLellan said. "It just doesn't happen overnight."
Montoya has not played since Nov. 4 because of a concussion. He practiced with the Canadiens on Monday.
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"He'll join us, make the trip to [the Dallas Stars on Saturday], and I expect him to join our team there if everything goes well border-wise and weather-wise," McLellan said. "Obviously he's on [injured reserve], hasn't played for a little while, but he has been skating and we've been told he's healthy and awfully close to coming off (IR). So we'll make that call when we get down there, we'll introduce him to his new teammates."
The 32-year-old was 2-1-0 with a 3.77 goals-against average and .863 save percentage this season. He is 65-47-22 with a 2.63 GAA and .908 save percentage in 159 NHL games with the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers and Canadiens after he was the No. 6 pick in the 2004 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.
"He's a veteran goaltender that's done this a number of times in his career," McLellan said. "I believe off the top of my head that his track record coming in and playing for new teams is pretty strong. So we anticipate he'll be able to able to give us some good games when we need them."
Laurent Brossoit has been the backup to Cam Talbot for the Oilers the past two seasons. Brossoit is 3-7-1 with a 3.22 GAA and .886 save percentage this season.
"You guys know I like to play, but it's nice to have a guy who's been around in those situations if something were to happen," Talbot said. "I don't want to take anything away from the job (Brossoit) did while I was out. I thought he played outstanding while I was out of the lineup, and nothing against the job he did, but sometimes you bring in a guy for leadership and experience.
"It can be a bunch of factors. It will be interesting to see and I'm excited to meet him."
The Canadiens claimed Antti Niemi off waivers Nov. 14 and he has been the backup to Carey Price, who has played 17 of 18 games since returning from injury Nov. 25.
