Jacob Fowler's eventful week didn't end when he and his Boston College teammates lost in the NCAA Tournament Regionals. The team's dismissal opened up the opportunity for the Eagles' players to sign their entry-level deals.
Ryan Leonard was the first domino to fall, signing his entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals. Fowler and some of his teammates went to Leonard's first game against the Boston Bruins, then made the trip to New York to watch Gabe Perreault debut with the New York Rangers. It was a nice gesture for the teammates to watch the games, but Montreal Canadiens fans started to wonder when it'd be Fowler's turn to go pro.
We have our answer: but it might not be the one some Canadiens fans wanted. Fowler had an opportunity to sign his entry-level deal and play the rest of the year in Montreal. However, he is delaying his entry level deal until the 2025-26 season and signing an amateur tryout agreement with the Laval Rocket, instead. This route ensures Fowler gets some pro reps in the American Hockey League before he has to take the big step to the NHL.
Can confirm in conjunction with @MurphysLaw74 that #GoHabsGo prospect Jacob Fowler has signed his ELC for the 25-26 season.
— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) April 3, 2025
Will join Laval on an ATO.
Expect an announcement shortly.@TheRGMedia
It was a path we suggested for Fowler earlier this week. The risk is he takes the same path as the Buffalo Sabres did with Devon Levi and we know that wasn't exactly a success. The Canadiens are taking the correct path with Fowler, and it's good to see they aren't being risky with his development.
The Canadiens have taken this path before
Let's not forget about a notable goaltender in Canadiens history that took this path. Carey Price finished his season with the Tri-City Americans in 2006-07 and instead of taking his vacation decided to join the Hamilton Bulldogs. He played two games in the regular season, before taking the reins as the starting goaltender in the playoffs.
It was a smart move, as he won the AHL Playoffs MVP and led the Bulldogs to the Calder Cup. We aren't trying to say that Fowler is about to become the Laval Rocket's starter and lead them to a Calder Cup. It's unfair expectations to put on the new goaltender, but just something we have seen before. It's important to keep expectations to a minimum, as it won't be easy to live up to Price's legacy.
The first step will be to get Fowler a couple of starts in Laval and see how it goes. The good news is Fowler won't be returning to Boston College for one more run at a National Championship.