The goaltender situation in Montreal has been rather complicated since the start of the season with the presence of Allen, Montembeault, and Primeau, creating a challenging trio. The signing of Samuel Montembeault for the next three seasons provides some clarity. It seems likely that either Allen or Primeau will be departing. The question remains: will we see a Montembeault-Allen or Montembeault-Primeau duo in the near future? One of them will have to leave.
Another goaltender in the organization, Jacob Fowler, has been shining and receiving high praise since the start of the season. Recently turned 19, in his first season with Boston College in the NCAA, he has posted impressive statistics. In 14 games, he has an 11-win, 2-loss, and 1-tie record. Notably, Fowler's average goals against is 1.98 and his save percentage is 93.1%. He just achieved his first shutout of the season.
Boston College is known for producing several great goaltenders in recent years, such as Spencer Knight with the Panthers, Joseph Woll establishing himself as number one with the Leafs, and Thatcher Demko with the Canucks.
According to Marc Dumont from MTLHockeyNow, Fowler ranks fourth in the best performances by Montreal Canadiens prospects this season, trailing behind the outstanding performances of Lane Hutson (1st), Filip Mesar (2nd), and Joshua Roy (3rd). Dumont compiles a weekly "Power Ranking" of CH prospects. The top 10 of the week includes:
With Montembeault's signing for the next three seasons, Montreal's future in the goaltender position is becoming clearer. Fowler's strong performances might position him to back up Montembeault in a few years. For now, the focus is on Montembeault's signing, but this also suggests a potential trade involving one of the other two goaltenders, Allen or Primeau, in the near future. Who will be traded between Allen and Primeau?
