The Montreal Canadiens fan base has reason to be excited with today’s announcement. Today, the news broke that goaltender prospect Jacob Fowler signs his entry-level contract (ELC). Fans had been wondering what the deal was since it had been a few days since Fowler’s Boston College Eagles were eliminated from NCAA regional action. Now fans have no reason to wonder, and Fowler will make the leap to the professional ranks.
Confirmed. ATO coming in Laval, NHL ELC to start next season. https://t.co/09AvlG1QrA
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 3, 2025
Goalie Jacob Fowler Signs His Pro Contract With the Montreal Canadiens
Fowler was originally drafted by the Habs in 2023, 69th overall. In addition, he just completed his second fantastic season with BC. He had seasons of a .926 and a .940 SV%, respectively. The University of Denver Pioneers really were his Achilles Heel. Last year they beat BC in the Frozen Four championships. Furthermore, this year they eliminated them in the regional playoffs, just a few days ago. The lack of championships in the NCAA does nothing to undervalue Fowler’s ability and individual performance. Fowler also has many individual awards under his belt, as well as success representing his Team USA internationally. For instance, he once won the USHL’s goaltender of the year award and helped USA win the 2024 World Junior Championship.
What Does This Signing Mean for Montreal
At this time, the big club is fully-entrenched in a playoff run with two competent goaltenders. Since this signing happened after the NHL trade deadline, Fowler had two options, either the NHL or the AHL. Therefore, Fowler is going to begin with an amateur tryout in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. It doesn’t really make sense to rush him to the NHL as this point. Sam Montembeault will be able to carry the load for Montreal down the stretch. Also, even though Jakub Dobes is 1-4-2 in his last nine games of action, he still provides reliability backing up Monty if needed. Also, for Fowler himself opting to go the AHL route, allows him to delay the start of the ELC until the 2025-26 campaign begins.
Either way for Montreal, it seems to be win-win. They are in a heated playoff race. Their current goalie got them there, so why mess with a good thing? Also, they get a really good thing, by signing a top goaltending prospect, and he doesn’t burn a year of his contract. Smart move by general manager Kent Hughes and now to watch how it all unfolds.
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Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha – Imagn Images
