Grading the Canadiens' Jacob Fowler Season So Far

The Montreal Canadiens' Jacob Fowler is the kind of young goalie who makes you want to see more. Every time he gets a new chance, he seems to learn something new. Early in the season, Canadiens fans were beyond anxious to see how he would do when he jumped to the NHL.

He's only 21, and he made the jump. In some ways, he seemed to feel just as comfortable with the big team as he did in the American Hockey League (AHL) Laval Rocket. He's bouncing between the NHL and AHL like it’s nothing.

If we were to grade his performance this season, how would it grade out? Let's look at five things that will show how the young goalie is doing this season.

Criteria 1: NHL Performance Grade B+

Let’s start with his time in Montreal. For a rookie thrown into real NHL minutes, Fowler did just fine. Ten games, a 4-4-2 record, a 2.62 GAA, and a .902 save percentage. While that isn't flashy, nothing is falling apart. And the big moment? He put up the Canadiens’ only shutout of the season, and it came against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

That’s a confidence builder. Although the last few games were rough, overall, he handled the speed and pressure like someone who’ll be back there sooner than later. That's worth a B+.

Criteria 2: AHL Performance Grade A-

Back in Laval, you could almost see the weight slide off his shoulders. He’s been one of the better AHL goalies this season. A 14-7 record, a 2.25 GAA, a .915 save percentage, and three shutouts. Those are strong numbers for anyone, let alone a 21-year-old. He’s steadier, sharper, and looks far more relaxed. Give him an A-.

Criteria 3: Mental Resilience Grade A

This is probably his biggest strength. Fowler called his up-and-down stretch “bittersweet.” Still, he didn’t sulk. He regrouped, learned from the NHL speed, and came back playing cleaner hockey. That ability to reset, stay focused, and keep improving is what separates young prospects from actual future starters. He’s got the right mindset, plain and simple. Give him an A here.

Criteria 4: Skill Development Grade B

If you watch him now compared to a couple of months back, the growth is obvious. He’s reading plays quicker, staying calmer in his spots, and not scrambling around as much. He’s still young, still smoothing things out, so a B feels right. But the direction he’s heading is exactly where you want him to be.

Criteria 5: Team Contribution Grade B+

Wherever he’s been, he’s stepped in and done the job. When injuries hit Montreal, he held the fort. Laval needed stability? He gave them that. He’s become a reliable presence for both teams this season, on and off the ice. That’s a B+ contribution, and coaches love players who can roll with whatever gets thrown at them.

Fowler Looks Like the Real Deal for the Canadiens

Put it all together, and Fowler looks like a goalie with a real future. The mixture of talent, maturity, and calm determination is there. Give him time, and he might grow into something pretty special for Montreal.