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Canadiens Top Prospect Goalie to Make Debut vs Penguins

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 12:53 PM ET

Top goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler will make his NHL debut in Pittsburgh as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Penguins Thursday night. This will be his first official career NHL start as the Canadiens work through some goaltending issues and test out the young netminder with a very high ceiling.

Jacob Fowler fera ses débuts dans la LNH contre les Penguins!

Jacob Fowler will make his NHL debut in Pittsburgh!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/rY1901JG3l
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 11, 2025

In 15 AHL games this season, Fowler has three shutouts, a 2.09 GAA, and a .919 SV%.

The Canadiens’ recent goaltending troubles have fueled speculation about a trade, but former NHL exec Pierre McGuire insisted Montreal should stay patient thanks to what Fowler might offer. McGuireboldly compared him to Martin Brodeur.

While Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes struggle, Fowler is thriving in the AHL, potentially positioning him as Montreal’s long-term answer. With Fowler likely arriving by 2026-27, the Habs are better off avoiding major goalie trades and only considering low-cost depth options.

Fowler joins a distinguished list of former Habs rookie goalies who made their debut against the Penguins. Among them are Ken Dryden (March 14, 197), Patrick Roy (October 10, 1985), and Carey Price (October 10, 2007).

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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