After a fantastic college hockey career, goaltender Jacob Fowler has taken the next step towards the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens prospect officially turned professional, and fans are now wondering when they’ll see him in a Canadiens jersey. Let’s break down where Fowler stands now, what his future looks like, and why fans need to stay patient.
From College Star to Pro Goalie
Jacob Fowler had an outstanding NCAA career playing for Boston College. Over two years, the 20-year-old posted an impressive record of 57 wins, 13 losses, and 3 draws, with a strong .932 save percentage. He was one of the best goalies in college hockey and helped Boston College compete for the national title both seasons.
Recently, Fowler signed an amateur tryout contract to finish the season with the Laval Rocket, the AHL team of the Canadiens. His official NHL entry-level contract will begin in the 2025–26 season.
Why Fowler Isn’t in the NHL Just Yet
The Canadiens could have signed Fowler to a deal that started right away, but they chose not to. That’s because Montreal is still fighting for a playoff spot, and it’s risky to throw a rookie goalie into such high-pressure games. They need every point, and giving an NHL debut to a young goalie right now wouldn’t be wise.
Instead, Fowler will get his first taste of pro hockey with Laval in the AHL. This gives him time to adjust to the faster pace and tougher competition without pressure.
Competition in Montreal’s Goalie System
Fowler is a top prospect, but he’s not alone. The Canadiens already have three goalies with NHL experience:
Sam Montembeault has played most games this season for Montreal and has done well with a .900 save percentage. He was even part of Team Canada at the 4 Nations tournament.
Jakub Dobes, at 23, has had some excellent games and is now part of Montreal’s goaltending duo. Sending him back to the AHL after his performance wouldn’t be fair.
Cayden Primeau has also shown flashes of talent. Though his numbers weren’t great this season, the Canadiens still believe in his potential.
This means Fowler starts out fourth in the depth chart. He may be the most talented, but talent alone isn’t enough. He will need to prove himself in Laval before moving up.
What to Expect Next Season
For the 2025–26 season, Montembeault and Dobes will likely be the Canadiens’ main goalies. That puts Fowler in Laval as the starting goaltender. This is actually a good thing—it gives him regular playing time and a chance to adjust to the pro level.
If there’s an injury during the season and Fowler is playing well, he could be called up. But the team may still go with someone more experienced like Primeau to avoid putting pressure on Fowler too early.
When Will Fowler Play in the NHL?
Goalies usually take longer to develop compared to skaters. Unless they are truly special, they need time to grow into their role. Montreal fans know this well—they’ve had legends like Patrick Roy and Carey Price, both of whom had to be developed carefully.
Fowler will likely need a full season in the AHL before he’s ready for NHL action. So, fans should expect him to fight for a spot on the Canadiens’ roster in 2026–27.
Jacob Fowler is one of Montreal’s most exciting young prospects. But goalies need time, patience, and proper development to succeed at the top level. Starting in the AHL is the right move, allowing Fowler to adjust without pressure. If he continues to perform like he did in college, it won’t be long before Canadiens fans see him in the NHL. With smart planning and the right support, Fowler could be a big part of Montreal’s future playoff success.
