Zach Fucale is a name Montreal Canadiens fans probably haven’t heard in quite some time.
Selected 36th overall by the Habs in the 2013 NHL Draft, Fucale was once touted as a promising goaltending prospect. However, after spending a few seasons with the Canadiens’ minor league affiliates, he found himself embarking on a journeyman career that spanned multiple leagues and countries.
Now 29, Fucale looks to be eyeing an NHL return. According to hockey insider Kevin Weekes, the netminder has generated interest following a standout tenure in Russia.
“Hearing that Zach Fucale has hired Dan Milstein to help facilitate his NHL
comeback,” Weekes wrote in a Friday X post. “Fucale has been the top goaltender in the KHL over the past two seasons, and there’s significant interest from NHL clubs for the 2025-26 season.”
Hearing that Zach Fucale has hired Dan Milstein to help facilitate his @NHL comeback. Fucale has been the top goaltender in the KHL over the past two seasons, and there’s significant interest from @NHL clubs for the 2025-26 season.#HockeyX pic.twitter.com/A10gtvjDHE
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) December 13, 2024
Fucale is no stranger to fighting for his place in the league. After several years with a handful of AHL and ECHL teams, he made his long-awaited NHL debut with the Washington Capitals in 2021-22— nearly a decade after being drafted.
Through four NHL games, he posted an impressive 1.75 GAA and .924 SV%, including a shutout.
Despite the strong numbers, the Laval, Quebec, native was sent back to the AHL, where he finished the season with a 2.54 GAA and .902 SV% in 38 games with the Hershey Bears.
In the KHL, Fucale has found consistent success. Over the last two seasons with Traktor Chelyabinsk, he recorded a combined 2.11 GAA and .927 SV% across 71 games. He’s been especially composed this season, securing five shutouts through 25 games.
With Canadiens backup Cayden Primeau struggling this season (4.70 GAA, .836 SV%), it’s fair to wonder whether a full-circle reunion with Fucale and his hometown team could be on the horizon.
If not, he’ll have 31 other potential suitors.