Fowler’s Ambition
“I want to be a Montreal Canadien. As long as I can and as soon as I can,” expressed Jacob Fowler, who has recently been called up to the NHL, indicating a potential shift in the goaltending landscape for the Montreal Canadiens.
Samuel Montembeault has faced significant challenges this season, leading to a reliance on Jakub Dobes, who has recorded a 2.97 goals against average (GAA) and an .892 save percentage (SV%) in 31 games. This situation has raised questions about Montembeault’s future with the team.
Current Goaltending Situation
The Canadiens are currently carrying three goalies: Montembeault, Dobes, and Fowler. Montembeault, under contract for one more season at $3.15 million, has struggled to replicate his past performances, particularly following a lackluster postseason last year.
Fowler’s call-up may signal that Montembeault’s days with the Canadiens are numbered. The decision to choose Fowler over Montembeault was a difficult one for head coach Martin St-Louis, who acknowledged the close relationships within the team.
Fowler remarked, “It’s hard. I’m really close to both those guys and you’re rooting for them, but at the end of the day, you want to be in that net every night. It’s part of the job.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of the goaltending position.
Future Considerations
Montembeault’s exemplary attitude has been noted, as he is never a distraction to his teammates. However, the Canadiens may explore the trade market for him this offseason, especially considering that his cap hit of $3.15 million could be viewed as steep for a backup netminder.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the Canadiens will proceed with Montembeault’s situation and the impact of Fowler’s performance on his future. With 20 upcoming games that could serve as an audition for Dobes and Fowler, the next few weeks will be critical for all involved.