Montreal Canadiens Role Profiles: Jacob Fowler

Fowler has no doubt proven that he is ready to handle a role in the NHL, but playing games at the AHL level is important for him to continue developing into the future franchise netminder the Montreal Canadiens are hoping for rather than him sitting on the bench most nights as the team’s backup. This is why in the case that Montembeault stays with the Canadiens organization, they may opt to send Fowler down to get more playing time.

On top of that, sending Fowler to Laval to start the year could be a way for Montembeault to prove that last year was a fluke and that he has what it takes to be an everyday NHL goalie still, which should only up his value on the trade market. If he does well, the Montreal Canadiens could either keep him as Jakub Dobes’ backup for the year, or they could move him to make room for Fowler.

There is also the option that the Canadiens could just waive Montembeault and play him in the AHL instead of sending Fowler down. However, this should only be in the case that Montembeault isn’t able to be moved or he comes into camp not able to find his game that made him a reliable NHL goaltender in the first place.

One thing that is for sure is Fowler needs to play, as he has the potential to be the next great franchise goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens, but without proper playing time, he won’t be able to develop. Whether he starts in Laval or in Montreal, the Canadiens need to make sure that they give him enough starts so that he keeps developing into a star goaltender.

Even though Dobes had a great season, to the point where he eventually won the Canadiens’ starting job during the 2025-26 campaign, due to the potential that Fowler has, he should still be the plan as the team’s future long-term starter. After all, goalies can be streakier than any other position in hockey, and Fowler’s calm style of play is a lot more reliable than Dobes’ way of playing. This is why it’s also possible that Fowler eventually steals the starting job at some point in the 2026-27 season from Dobes as well. Although a young tandem between Fowler and Dobes is probably the most likely scenario for the near-future.

With all that being said, Fowler’s role with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2026-27 campaign could be anything from being the AHL starting goaltender to the NHL’s starter depending on all the variables with their goaltenders throughout the season. Fowler’s role with the Canadiens in general is more of a long-term plan; they should look to the future rather than the present. The Canadiens should look at the options that are best for the young goaltender long-term for the 2026-27 campaign.

Check out the previous Montreal Canadiens Role Profile on Phillip Danault if you haven’t already.