Montreal Canadiens: Jacob Fowler Gives Reason For Hope In The Habs Crease

Enter Jacob Fowler

You can’t put too many eggs in your basket when assessing a player, based simply on their character and the way they handle themselves. Who said that? It’s true, in a way, you want the kid to be a hockey player, who has high character. But that character – from dealing with adversity – allows a player to develop differently, with a chip on their shoulder.

It goes beyond the competitive edge that you would expect from an NHL talent, it’s almost like a flame that once it gets ignited, can’t be burnt out. Fowler revealed in draft interview footage that he had a serious chip on his shoulder because he was passed over during both the CHL and USHL during his draft year. It stung him, but his drive and passion to get better were two strong foundational attributes that kept him in check.

Undeterred, but obviously very bothered, Fowler made his way into the USHL, and he had a lot to say. The Youngstown Phantoms took a chance on Fowler, and he never looked back. The Melbourne, FL native played two seasons in the USHL and piled up the awards, capped off by the Clark Cup Championship. Along with playoff MVP honours.

For all these reasons, the Canadiens fell in love with his character, and his brilliant play in the USHL was the final icing on the cake. Fowler was their guy, and the Boston College Eagles were where he was going to show Kent Hughes and co the kind of player that he is.

Poised, methodical and positionally aware – the lighter and stronger Fowler, makes routine saves look simple with his quickness. The confidence Fowler has in his ability is precisely what elevates him to such a high playing level.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis gave the kid a piece of advice during training camp in late September. Essentially, St. Louis felt that the best way to prepare is to ensure you’re always ready. You need to continue working and progressing, in anticipation of that rare opportunity, which will present itself. If you blink you’ll miss it basically, so stay ready.

Fowler has in fact been ready, and his 11-2-1 record with the BC Eagles confirms that. Fowler just keeps winning, and he is always in the right place, ready to make the big save. Anticipating, and pivoting to take away as much of the net as he can. The way he makes his progressions and processes the play is near elite level, and he likes to flash the leather à la Carey Price.

Fowler’s Eagles are on a four-game winning streak, and Fowler has maintained an impressive .931 save percentage and a steady 1.98 goals against average. Fowler never seems phased by anything, and he has been a bright spot in the lineup.

With Gabe Perreault, Will Smith, Ryan Leonard and Cutter Gauthier running the offense, and Aidan Hreschuk, Charlie Leddy and Eamon Powell on the blueline. The Eagles look to be a power house, and Fowler has been the backbone of it all.

Fowler Looks Like Future NHL Starter

The Canadiens have a wonky three goalie system right now, and it’s anybodies guess who is going to be dealt, extended and glued in the backup role. It doesn’t appear that they are committed to any of the three goalies – Jake Allen, Cayden Primeau or Samuel Montembeault. It seems that the Habs have belief in a young goaltender to sit atop the Canadiens starting goaltender throne.

Fowler is staking his claim to the throne, and if he keeps this play up, he could win goaltender of the year, and rookie of the year honours. His team looks dynamic, and he has been a stud, this team has belief brewing. Fowler might just be the guy to push this squad towards a championship.

He knows the Habs need a starter who will be ready in the next few seasons, and they won’t rush Fowler. But when he is ready, it seems likely that he will have every opportunity to turn pro and work his way onto the Canadiens. Loaded with character, and a desire to keep getting better drive this young man, who’s strong work ethic will serve him well.

The future appears bright for the Canadiens future, the blueline is well on its way and the goaltending seems stocked. I’m not suggesting to refrain from picking other goalies, you have to use assets to your advantage. But adding a few top line, minimum top six projected, elite potential forwards to help the team build the offensive attack for the Martin St. Louis coached Montreal Canadiens.

It’s coming together, and Fowler is just fine on the dark side in Boston. Weirdly enough, with him, Luke Tuch and Lane Hutson, many Habs fans are cheering for Boston to have success in hockey. Add Macklin Celebrini into the mix and the Habs are cooking.

Jacob Fowler manning the grill, as the Habs future number one goaltender.

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