Montreal Canadiens
Report: Fowler To Sign Amateur Tryout Contract And Join Laval Rocket
Jacob Fowler Photo credit: © Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesWe’ve discussed Montreal Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler at length this week. We saw his teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault sign their entry-level contracts with the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers, respectively. He attended both of their debuts, as any supportive teammate would do.
Canadiens fans wondered when his debut would come, and there were some rumblings that he was considering heading back to Boston College next season to attempt to win them the elusive championship. Others believed there was a discussion between the Fowler clan and the Canadiens about the best course of action, with the Habs wanting the player to sign an ELC starting next season and an ATO to allow him to join the Laval Rocket in their pursuit of the Calder Cup.
Last night, the content director and director of film scouting with Elite Prospect Cam Robinson reported that, contrary to his previous statement, it now seemed highly likely Fowler would be signing an ATO and joining the Laval Rocket when they return from their current road trip. He, however, insisted that earlier this week, the netminder was still debating what the best course of action was.
As for TSN Insider Pierre Lebrun, he posted yesterday that there was no reason for Habs fans to panic and that he expected Fowler to join the Rocket once they return from their road trip out west. Pascal Vincent’s team has played its last two games against the Manitoba Moose and faces the Abbotsford Canucks in a back-to-back this weekend. Then, the club will head east to take on the Rochester Americans on Friday the 11th.
Logic dictates that we should have developments on Fowler soon and that he should join the team to practice and get acclimated to his surroundings in Laval during the club’s four days off. From a development standpoint, it makes sense for him to graduate to the AHL before he’s thrown into NHL action.
The goaltender position is a tricky one, and it takes time for the best in the profession to hone their craft. Furthermore, the NCAA and the professional ranks are two entirely different animals. This season, with the Canadiens in the middle of a playoffs race, he will see much more action in Laval, and who knows, he might lead the team to the Calder Cup. Does that remind you of another goaltender, Habs fans?
Carey Price joined the Canadiens' AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs at the end of his last junior season and only had time to play two regular-season games with the then Hamilton Bulldogs. However, he played 22 games in the playoffs and led the team to the championship, winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, which was awarded to the AHL playoffs MVP in the process. That was the start of quite a career. I’m sure Fowler wouldn’t mind that experience.
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