Significant Development In Goal for Canadiens

Montréal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler makes a save

It sounds like Sam Montembault's days as a Montreal Canadiens netminder are coming to an end.

Youngster Jacob Fowler had a ten-game cameo earlier in the season, and he proved he belonged with a .902 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average with one shutout. Now, the top Montreal Canadiens goaltending prospect has been called back up to the big club. And reports are that it's not just an 'emergency callup.'

Les Canadiens ont rappelé le gardien Jacob Fowler du Rocket de Laval.

The Canadiens have recalled goaltender Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/85HHY8lhV5
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 11, 2026

The biggest note to keep in mind here is that both Montembault and Jakub Dobes are healthy. Fowler isn't up just to fill for an injury.

The 21-year-old is poised, shows exceptional mental toughness, and elite technical skills. He's posted a .916 Sv% with Laval this season, with a 2.23 GAA, and a 19-7-1 mark along with three shutouts.

"I think it is very clear that the Canadians do not have the confidence in Samuel Montembeault's game," said Habs insider Marco D'Amico on the Starr & D'Amico Show today.

The job in goal for Canadiens could be Fowler's to take

"I think Jacob Fowler is gonna run away with this if given the opportunity... Jakub Dobes...to me, is assured, worst-case scenario, 1B status, if not 1A.

"What this spells to me, is that I do not believe that Samuel Montembeault will be a Montréal Canadien next training camp."

Montembeault, 29, in his fifth year with Montreal, is struggling with an .873 Sv% and a 3.43 GAA this season. He's lost four of his last five games, including a five-goal debacle against Anaheim in his last start last week, and who knows when he'll see the crease again with the Habs.

The Czech youngster Dobes, 24, is in his first full season, as has fared well enough, going 21-6-4 with an .892 Sv% and a 2.97 GAA.