Jacob Fowler hasn't skipped a beat

If Montreal Canadiens fans needed another reason to be excited about their prospect pool, Jacob Fowler has come knocking.

Like a dead-bolted door, Fowler's pads have been closed for business, and the opposition has learned that the hard way. Through three games, Fowler has two wins and he has two shutouts. His most recent win was a 5-0 rout of the American International College Yellow Jackets.

After posting a 32-6-1 record with two shutouts in his freshman season, Fowler is already one shutout shy of his three shutouts from last year. In 36 fewer games, Fowler looks primed to shatter his previous shutouts record, and it appears that he has his eyes on the Frozen Four championship. With his poise and a season of experience under his belt, I would have to think that the college ranks are in trouble.

The Boston College Eagles lost Will Smith to the San Jose Sharks, but they gained projected 2025 first-overall pick James Hagens. The Eagles and Fowler appear primed to make some noise again this season. Thankfully for them, Gabe Perreault and James Hagens are scoring at an impressive clip and Ryan Leonard hasn't even gotten hot yet.

Big things are expected out of Fowler, and if he keeps this up, the Canadiens could be a reality sooner than later. However, I believe that he still would need a season to adapt to the professional ranks down in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket. But he is giving Habs management a reason to smile and be excited for the future.

What's in store for his sophomore season?

Following up on last season will be a difficult proposition, but if anybody can pull it off it's Fowler. The confidence and chip on his shoulder make it seem like no task is too difficult. There were apparent rumours that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz wanted Fowler in any trade that involved former Predators goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov. But Kent Hughes had no interest in entertaining the conversation.

With his focus squarely set on his second college season, there are plenty of fans watching from Canada to see what Fowler does to follow up his freshman season. Winning more is the ultimate goal and Fowler has familiarity with the college hockey scene. So, while it may be difficult to beat last year's totals, I think he can do it.

His goals-against average and save percentage are looking pretty solid to start the year, and it is only three games in, but that is a reason for optimism. If I had to guess a record to finish this season, I think that right around the same as last season would be reasonable, maybe 34-5-0. But the shutout number might be around five or six.