The Rise of Samuel Fowler: A Rising Star in Goalie Ranks
The Montreal Canadiens have been a powerhouse in developing young talent, and their latest gem is Samuel Fowler, who has made a significant impact in the goaltending world. Last July, Fowler was ranked third on The Athletic’s list of top 100 NHL-drafted skaters. However, in the latest ranking, he has moved up to the second spot, just behind Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild has dropped to fourth place, making room for Fowler’s ascent. This shift in rankings highlights Fowler’s impressive performances and the high expectations surrounding his future in the NHL.
Fowler’s Stellar Sophomore Season
In his second season with Boston College, Fowler has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 25 games, he boasts an impressive record of 19-4-1, a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.72, and a save percentage (SP) of 936. These numbers are a testament to his growing maturity and skill on the ice. Despite the absence of any official announcement about his plans for the next season, it is widely believed that Fowler is poised to make the jump to the professional level. His consistency and ability to shut out opponents on a regular basis have earned him high praise from analysts and fans alike.
The Future Awaits: Fowler’s Path to the NHL
In his evaluation of Fowler, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler couldn’t be more enthusiastic. He states, "He’s got a legitimate shot not just to be an NHL goaltender but to be a top one, and there aren’t many goalies his age (or even a little older) I’m comfortable saying that about. He seems to pitch a shutout once or twice a month, and I think he’s got a compelling case for the Hobey Baker this year." The Canadiens are likely to follow a similar approach to Fowler’s development as they did with Jakub Dobes. This means starting him off in the American Hockey League (AHL) for a season or two, depending on his performance with the Laval Rocket. This gradual progression will help Fowler adjust to the higher level of competition and ensure he is ready for the rigors of the NHL.
The Current State of the Canadiens’ Goaltending Corps
The Canadiens’ goaltending situation is in flux, with several key players set to become restricted free agents (RFAs) this summer. Both Jakub Dobes and Cayden Primeau will be RFAs, and the latter’s future with the organization is uncertain. Primeau’s start to the season was shaky, and while he has been performing well in the AHL, the gap between the NHL and AHL remains significant. This could lead to the Canadiens not offering him a qualifying contract, making room for Fowler to step into a more prominent role in Laval.
Connor Hughes: A Key Decision for the Canadiens
Another important player to consider is Connor Hughes, who is currently in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. In 19 games this season, Hughes has a respectable record of 10-7-2, a GAA of 2.47, and a save percentage (SP) of 907. For a 28-year-old who had never played in the AHL before, these numbers are impressive. However, Hughes will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season. The question for the Canadiens is whether Hughes will be satisfied with his role in Laval or if he will seek a different opportunity elsewhere. His performance and attitude will play a crucial role in the team’s decision-making process.
Stay Updated with the Canadiens
As the Canadiens continue to navigate their goaltending landscape and develop their young talent, fans can stay updated with the latest news and analysis by following the team’s page on The Hockey News. Additionally, you can follow Karine Hains on various platforms, including Google News, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Threads, to never miss a story. The Canadiens’ future is bright, and the rise of Samuel Fowler is just one of the many exciting developments to watch in the coming seasons.
