Jacob Fowler (Matt Krohn-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0bac8038-500b-4f0c-a644-cab19f81969c.jpeg] Jacob Fowler (Matt Krohn-Imagn Images) After an incredible NCAA career, Montreal Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler turned pro. The Boston College goaltender signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl]’s Laval Rocket to finish off this season, and his entry-level contract with the Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-fowler-put-pen-to-paper] will kick off in 2025-26. The Montreal Canadiens have another exciting youngster in Lane Hutson. Could he contend for the Norris Trophy next season? The 20-year-old goalie did almost everything he could have at the college level [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa], posting a 57-13-3 record over his two years with BC and a .932 save percentage in that span. He’s been one of the most dominant netminders in college in the last two years. He’s helped BC contend for a national title each season, as well. The Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] could have signed Fowler to an entry-level contract that kicks in this season in case they wanted to give him some NHL experience this month. Since they’re in a race for the final wild-card spot [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/canadiens-suzuki-itching-for-playoff-hockey-in-front-of-sold-out-bell-centre], they can’t risk integrating a rookie netminder when every game is vital. That begs the question: when will Fowler be ready for NHL action, and how soon should Canadiens fans expect to see their star goalie prospect? That question has a few layers to it. The most important thing to note is Fowler’s arrival time will ultimately depend on how he performs in Laval and in training camp in the fall. The Canadiens need to be sure because at just 20 years old (he’ll be 21 in November), there is no need to rush him into the lineup. Developing him properly [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/players/jacob-fowler-is-on-the-right-development-path-] is key to unlocking his full potential. The Montreal crease isn’t full of elite talent, but there are a few very good netminders in the system. Sam Montembeault was on Canada’s 4 Nations team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/sam-montembeault-talks-about-the-four-nations], and although he didn’t play at the event, he is clearly respected around the NHL. He’s been a workhorse for the team, playing in 57 games to this point and posting a respectable .900 save percentage. Jakub Dobes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/whats-the-plan-with-jakub-dobes] has slowed down a bit, but he’s been Montreal’s best player on many nights when he’s in the crease. The 23-year-old has helped give the Habs a more stable crease, pairing with Montembeault to form a solid duo. Pushing him back down to the AHL would be unfair in many ways because he proved he deserves a shot at the NHL level. Cayden Primeau also has fans in the organization who have faith that he is an NHL-caliber netminder. Although his numbers weren’t fantastic this year and prompted the team to give him time in the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/cayden-primeau-is-excelling-in-laval], he has had some impressive stretches in the last couple of seasons. That’s three names ahead of Fowler on the current depth chart, and he must surpass two of them to secure an NHL role. While he’s arguably the group's most talented netminder, Fowler will have to work to earn his role. He must be nearly dominant in the AHL, as his did in college, to show he is ready. Capitals' Leonard, Rangers' Perreault Lead The Most Promising NCAA Talents Signing NHL Deals [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f2f7ed77-18df-4f11-9b4e-68b3e97e050a.jpeg] Capitals' Leonard, Rangers' Perreault Lead The Most Promising NCAA Talents Signing NHL Deals The flood of NCAA players signing their entry-level NHL contracts has begun. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/capitals-leonard-rangers-perreault-lead-the-most-promising-ncaa-talents-signing-nhl-deals] With Dobes and Montembeault looking like the duo to start next season, Fowler will likely be the go-to guy for Laval. That will give him plenty of opportunity to prove he is ready to take the next step. It won’t be immediate, but should an injury arise while Fowler plays well in the AHL, he could be the first option as a call-up. But depending on how early in the season it is, the Habs could opt to give Fowler the crease fully in the AHL and call up a journeyman they sign or Primeau to ensure they aren’t setting him up for failure. Goalies always take slightly longer to develop unless they are truly special. Canadiens fans are used to special goaltending over the years, thanks to Patrick Roy and Carey Price, but they can’t rush a good thing. Fowler likely needs a year in the AHL to adjust to pro hockey, and then he can make a real run at making the team for the 2026-27 season. At that point, the Canadiens should be ready to start truly competing and making deep runs. A tandem of Fowler and either Dobes or Montembeault could be an excellent backbone. Canadiens fans need to stay patient, though. Fowler is an excellent prospect, but he needs to adjust and further develop. The organization has done so many things right with their prospects, and they need to keep that up with their star goalie prospect. 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