The Montreal Canadiens have brought back goaltender Jacob Fowler from AHL Laval, setting up an intriguing potential three-goalie rotation with Jakub Dobes and Sam Montembeault. Fowler, considered one of the top goalie prospects globally, is rejoining the NHL roster without any corresponding moves or injuries prompting the change.
Drafted in the third round in 2023, Fowler was the sixth goalie picked in his class, yet he’s the first to make his NHL debut. This recall could mean a single start against the Senators, or it might signal more NHL action as the season progresses.
The Canadiens have faced inconsistent performances from Dobes and Montembeault, prompting Fowler’s initial call-up in December. After starting him in consecutive games, head coach Martin St.
Louis implemented a three-goalie rotation.
In his first stint, Fowler made 10 starts, posting a 4-4-2 record with a .902 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average, including one shutout. Although his last game before returning to Laval saw him allow four goals on 26 shots, his overall performance was promising. He recorded a 1.8 goals saved above expected, outshining both Dobes and Montembeault for the season, according to MoneyPuck.
Following the Olympic break, Montreal has leaned towards Dobes as the starter, with Montembeault as backup. Montembeault has started two of six games post-break, both ending in extra-time losses with save percentages below .850. Dobes, meanwhile, has won three out of four starts, though his loss against the Sharks was rough, allowing six goals on 27 shots.
Fowler has been thriving in the AHL, starting seven of Laval’s last 10 games with a .923 save percentage. His season stats are impressive, boasting a .916 save percentage, 2.23 goals-against average, three shutouts, and a 19-7-2 record in 27 appearances.
His swift adaptation to the AHL reflects his strong collegiate background at Boston College, where he posted a .932 save percentage and a 1.90 goals-against average over 74 games. Fowler was twice named a Hockey East First Team All-Star and won the Mike Richter Award as the NCAA’s top goalie during his sophomore year.