The Montreal Canadiens’ goalie situation is anything but ideal right now.
Cayden Primeau is off to a rough start, carrying a 4.67 GAA through seven games, while Sam Montembeault has struggled to keep up his momentum since a shutout in the season opener. With that said, it’s clear the Habs could use a boost between the pipes.
While an immediate fix might not be in sight, the team’s deep prospect pool could soon offer a much-needed solution.
Since being drafted 69th overall by Montreal in 2023, Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler has steadily seen his stock rise — to the point where many consider him the Habs’ future starter.
Fowler had a solid NCAA showing in 2023-24, putting up a respectable 2.14 GAA and .925 SV% through 39 games. He also won gold as a backup with Team USA at the World Juniors, earning three wins in as many games.
The 19-year-old appears to have shifted gears over the summer, though, looking beyond locked in for Boston College this season. Surely surface-level stats don’t tell the entire story, but his are nothing to sneeze at.
In just eight games, the sophomore goalie has snagged seven wins and posted a ridiculous 1.26 GAA. And with three shutouts on the season already, he’s proving to be the backbone his team can rely on when things get tight.
Jacob Fowler with a clutch save at the end of the period to keep it a 1-0 game for BC 🔥
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 10, 2024
What really stands out, though, is his impressive .950 save percentage. Stopping 189 of 199 shots, Fowler has been a brick wall in net, proving he has the skills to make life difficult for anyone trying to get one past him.
Came for James Hagens, stayed for Jacob Fowler.
What a save. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Qnd4NTkw7k
— Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) October 11, 2024
While the Melbourne, Florida, native is expected to play one more season at the college level before turning pro, the Canadiens could have a very bright future in goal for years to come if he continues at this pace.