It has been an eventful week for the Montreal Canadiens. Yesterday, the team defeated the struggling Boston Bruins to record a hat trick of wins and remain in contention to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The wildcard spot is in their hands—they’re through if they can continue their fine form of late. However, this isn’t the only thing to cheer for for Canadiens fans. Recently, they signed an exciting prospect who is sure to impress the Montreal faithful: Jacob Fowler.

Earlier this week, Fowler officially signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canadiens, earning his well-deserved spot after his consistent performances at the college level. He has spent the last two seasons playing NCAA hockey with Boston College. The goaltender had stellar stats there, with a 1.63 GAA and .940 SV% over the course of this season and a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% the season before. In total, he’s leaving college with a career 1.90 GAA and .932 SV%. And in the 35 games he played this season, Fowler helped his college to a record of 25-7-2, impressing one and all with his stunning displays between the pipes.

Not only will the 20-year-old sign an ELC with the Habs, but he’s also set to sign an Amateur Tryout with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rockets, where he will spend the remainder of the season. He was originally selected by the Canadiens in the third round (69th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. In that time, Jacob Fowler has not only excelled at the NCAA level but also on the international front. Last year, he represented the United States at the World Junior Championship and helped his nation win the gold medal.

As far as personal honors go, Fowler was named the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year for the second straight season. Additionally, he is also a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, which is awarded to the NCAA’s most outstanding goaltender. With his numbers and the achievements to back them up, it’s no surprise that renowned NHL analyst Steven Ellis was all praise of Fowler.

Jacob Fowler is lauded for his physical and mental fortitude

A stunning three-year entry-level contract was another feather in the cap for Jacob Fowler, who has seen his stock rise massively following a consistent showing at the NCAA level. Dubbed among the most exciting prospects of the next generation of stars in the United States’ hockey fraternity, Fowler earned massive praise from analyst Steven Ellis.

He said, “He is one of just three NCAA goaltenders boasting a save percentage above .940, and he has played some of his best hockey against other high-end programs. Fowler is listed as 6-foot-2, but he covers the net so effectively. He’s positionally solid, mentally strong and rarely gives up a bad goal. Year after year, no matter the level or event, Fowler finds ways to come out on top… The Canadiens have a good one here – and this will be Fowler’s chance to prove that on the big stage.”

It’s high praise indeed, though it’s not entirely surprising considering Fowler has been brought in to potentially become the franchise goaltender in the coming years. It’s a proposition that Ellis himself had floated following the 2023 Draft. Is Jacob Fowler the answer to the goaltender void left in Montreal by Carey Price?

Those are indeed big shoes to fill, and only time will tell if Fowler can live up to that lofty expectation. But amid the signing of their most promising goaltender prospect in a while in the form of Jacob Fowler, the Canadiens would hope to continue their winning run and seal a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They next face the Philadelphia Flyers, who are the bottom-placed team in the Metropolitan Division.