Montreal Canadiens: Scout Sees Starting Goalie Potential In Jacob Fowler

It was quite obvious that the Montreal Canadiens were in need of a high-potential goaltender of the future to address a glaring need in their rebuild.

It can be argued that the Canadiens are one piece short of having the best prospect pool in hockey, but having a number one goaltender is much more important, and should take priority. Habs scouting and management were very high on Youngstown Phantoms goalie Jacob Fowler, and their recent behind-the-scenes draft video was very telling.

La Belle Provence has been spoiled with an illustrious line of goaltenders. When one exits, another steps in, and with Carey Price’s playing days likely behind him, there’s an obvious need for a new number-one goaltender. Montembeault has done his best, but ensuring that there is a goalie for the future to secure the crease for the next 10-15 years is essential.

As evidenced by the Canadiens’ onus on drafting goaltenders in the 2023 draft, management had a desire to stock the goaltending pool. There was a group of goaltenders touted as the draft’s best, each bringing a different approach to the position. When the Canadiens’ 69th overall selection rolled around, the last goalie of the bunch was available, and Hughes got his man, Jacob Fowler.

Is Fowler The Future Number One

The draft is one of the only places that an organization can get their hands on a superstar forward, a number one defenseman or a starting goaltender, without overspending. Perhaps the most difficult of all is the goalie, they hit their primes later than the other positions, and sometimes their dominant play before playing professionally doesn’t translate.

We were all given quite the treat, getting to watch the decision-making process by management ahead of the draft. A war room of sorts was filled with passionate debate, and Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton listened intently to many different opinions from their staff. We also got to see Fowler’s interview with the Habs, and it was very intriguing to see how his mind works, and what has kept him motivated.

The Habs zeroed in on Fowler, and when interviewing him they certainly had left no stone unturned when studying the young goaltender. Fowler touched on the adversity he has battled throughout his career, opening up about being undrafted after dominating in the minor ranks. He sat on his couch in a shirt and tie alongside his family, and watched the entirety of both the USHL and OHL Drafts, which he was eligible for, and he was passed over.

How he handled himself during these times was the most interesting to hear, as he stayed level-headed, and channelled that frustration into his game, developing a chip on his shoulder. Fowler eventually made his way to the United States Hockey League and played his way onto the Youngstown Phantoms roster, which resulted in him earning all-rookie second-team recognition. He came to play in his sophomore season, dominating the entire league, which ended with a Clark Cup championship, along with MVP honours for the tournament.

Save percentage, goals/against average and goaltender of the year honours rounded out his 2022-23 season accolades. His ridiculous 27-9-3 record followed up by an 8-1-0 run in the Clark Cup playoffs cemented the Canadiens’ belief in him. Habs scout Billy Ryan was passionate in his assessment of Fowler and believed passing on Fowler would be a big mistake for the Canadiens.

Headed to play his rookie NCAA season with Boston College, Fowler has a big year ahead of him. But his track record has shown that he has an innate ability to elevate his play at every level, and his technical brilliance in the net has allowed him to dominate leagues. Ryan stated that while the other top goalies of the draft had strong attributes, Fowler mastered his position and has won everywhere that he has played, and he believes it will translate.

So while he has yet to play his college season, it’s a great sign to see where his confidence is rooted from, and that there is a strong belief in him from a storied original six franchise like the Canadiens.

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