Major Statement the Canadiens have already found its future number one goaltender

PUBLICATION

Elias Edmonson
August 10, 2023 (8:21 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

There is no doubt that the Montreal Canadiens' management wanted to address an urgent need during the last draft. Indeed, Kent Hughes selected three goaltenders in the first five rounds, hoping to find a future number one who can finally replace Carey Price in the coming years.

According to many observers, 18-year-old Jacob Fowler could very well become the goaltender so sought after by the organization. Obviously, it is still too early to make such statements, but the former Youngstown Phantom has immense potential, having had an simply exceptional season last year.

In 40 games in the USHL, Jacob Fowler recorded an impressive record of 27 wins, 9 losses, and 4 overtime losses, while maintaining a goals-against average of 2.28 and a save percentage of 0.921. He was even more remarkable in the playoffs, leading his team to win the Clark Cup with a record of 8-1-0 and a goals-against average of 1.36 and a save percentage of 0.952. The Canadiens' prospect even won the MVP title thanks to his astounding statistics.

Despite being the 6th goalie drafted in the 2023 crop, Steven Ellis firmly believes that Jacob Fowler has the skills to become a starting goaltender in the NHL. Having the chance to see him evolve at the World Junior Summer Showcase with the American team, Ellis even thinks he could beat Trey Augustine (selected 41st overall) for the number one spot in the next World Junior Championship.

Like Steven Ellis, an NHL scout stated that Fowler could become an excellent goaltender in the coming years:

He has the makings of a starting NHL goalie, there's no doubt about it. He has an imposing build, he's athletic, and he has an excellent head on his shoulders. His raw skills are there, and he'll have the chance to face good competition at Boston University this season. - An NHL scout

One thing's for sure, it will be very interesting to follow his development in the collegiate ranks this season as he joins Boston University with prospects like Cutter Gauthier, Will Smith, and Ryan Leonard. We are all eager to watch him at a higher level of play to see how he will respond to adversity, but the goaltender undoubtedly has a very promising future.

Do you believe that Jacob Fowler could become the number one goaltender so sought after by the organization?