Montreal Canadiens fans do not need to worry about the team carrying three goalies this season. The only problem is: what does that mean for Jacob Fowler heading into the season? TSN’s Kenzie Lalonde reported that Kent Hughes responded, “Probably not,” when asked whether the team would carry three goalies this season. Carrying three goalies at the NHL level does not work. We saw the Canadiens try it during the 2023-24 season and again at points last season, with it ultimately doing more harm than good. Jakub Dobes and Fowler ended last season as the team’s goaltending tandem, but with Samuel Montembeault still on the Canadiens roster, it raises questions about which goalies will start the season in Montreal.
An opportunity to raise Montembeault’s value
Out of the three goaltenders, Dobes’ spot is the most secure. He raised his game during the second half of the season and was even better in the playoffs. Montreal rewarded him with a brand new, three-year, $16.07 million contract that kicks in during the 2027-28 season. Dobes has earned the right to be the Canadiens' starter, but who will be the backup? Montembeault played himself out of the rotation last season, but with the Canadiens unable to trade the veteran netminder, it suggests he could start the season as the team’s backup. Montembeault’s value is at an all-time low after posting a 3.43 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage in 25 games last season. After Montembeault’s performance last season, Fowler seems like the clear option to be Dobes' backup.
The only problem is that if the Canadiens cannot facilitate a trade for Montembeault, he would have to clear waivers to be sent to Laval, something that likely will not happen. Instead of risking losing Montembeault for nothing, the Canadiens could see if he can raise his value as the team’s backup, with Fowler starting the season with the Rocket. While Fowler starting in Laval might raise eyebrows, especially given how easy he made going from the AHL to the NHL look last season, he can still be sent down to the Rocket without going through waivers. This buys the Canadiens time to work out a deal to trade Montembeault if his play improves, while also allowing Fowler to play starting minutes, something a young netminder needs.
Fowler in Laval the right decision?
If Fowler starts the season with the Rocket, it should not be viewed as a negative for his development. He is still young, just 21 years old, and made his NHL debut earlier than some would have anticipated. The thing is, he looked great last season for someone less than a year removed from playing in the NCAA. He plays like a veteran despite having just 17 games of NHL experience. He has a calming presence in the net and rarely looks flustered, drawing comparisons to a young Carey Price. If you are reading this and asking, “Then why should he start the season in Laval?” It is a logical question. On play alone, he is good enough to be in the NHL, but with a goalie that young, you want him playing every night. With the Canadiens, if Dobes starts the season hot, Fowler’s opportunities to get into games will become less frequent. If a goalie is going to be sitting on the bench regularly, you would rather it be Montembeault than Fowler.
That does not mean Fowler will be in Laval all season. The goal should still be to trade Montembeault. Even if the Quebec netminder improves significantly, the objective should still be that. The Canadiens' future in net lies with Dobes and Fowler. Both look like they have incredibly bright futures, and while it might be hard to keep both in a couple of years, that will be a problem for another day. The most important thing right now is for Fowler to continue developing, whether that is in Montreal or Laval. The Canadiens have a plan, and if recent history counts for anything, it is that fans should not doubt management's process.
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