Canadiens Recall Jacob Fowler Thanks to Unexpected Montembeault Injury

When asked if he knew anything, teammate Alex Carrier said, “I think he’s alright honestly. I think he just took a hit to his umm, “dad parts.”

Reporter: “His family jewels?”

Carrier: “Yeah, I think it’s just that, I don’t think it’s a (serious injury).”

The call-up could be precautionary since Laval doesn’t play until Saturday. The Canadiens, meanwhile, are set to host the Nashville Predators at the Bell Centre on Thursday. Montembeault will be questionable for that game.

Coach Martin St-Louis had no update Wednesday, with more expected Thursday. Fowler went 1-1 last weekend (1.53 GAA, .945 SV%). Montreal chose to keep Montembeault as Jakub Dobes’ NHL backup, with Fowler developing in Laval, since waiver rules made carrying three goalies harder than last season. With Montembeault injured, Fowler is back in an NHL tandem with Dobes, though how long he stays depends on the undisclosed injury’s severity.

Fowler Might Get His Opportunity

If Fowler gets a chance to play and impresses, it could change the way the Canadiens look at their goaltending situation. Fowler noted at the start of the season he thought he’d done enough to make the team and was disappointed not to have started in the NHL. While he’s certainly not routing for an injury, he will relish the chance to show the Canadiens he’s got the stuff to be a regular in the NHL, even if it’s as a backup.