Since Nick Bobrov took over the draft, the Montreal Canadiens have done a much better job of finding impact players. In 2023, they may very well have found their goalie of the future in Jacob Fowler.

Even though he was the fifth goalie selected, Fowler, picked 69th overall, could end up being the best of his class.

Honestly, when you look at his NCAA performances, it’s hard not to be impressed.

This season with Boston College, he posted incredible stats:

24 wins, 5 losses, 2 overtime losses
Goals-against average: 1.62
Save percentage: .941

That allowed him to finish 2nd in the entire NCAA for goals-against average and 3rd for save percentage.

What impresses me is that he also won the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year title for the second consecutive year.

Jacob Fowler: A Draft Steal for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

Honestly, I think Fowler has everything it takes to become the Canadiens’ number one goalie within a few years.

He’s calm in his crease, doesn’t get rattled, and makes the big saves when it counts.

For now, Samuel Montembeault is the undisputed number-one goalie for the Canadiens.

Over time, I think Fowler could push him for that spot.

It’s still early, but don’t be surprised if he signs his contract with the Canadiens soon and starts next year with the Laval Rocket.

In short, the Canadiens have been looking for their future goaltender for a long time.. and Fowler might be the answer.

A fantastic decision by management:

He’s one of the best 3rd-round picks in recent NHL years, without a doubt.