The Montreal Canadiens are facing early-season goaltending challenges in the 2025-26 season, contributing to their ranking as tied for fourth-most goals allowed in the league. With both Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes struggling to find consistency, the Canadiens' management is under pressure to find solutions. Montembeault, who was expected to improve in his second year as the starting goalie, has underperformed, leading to Dobes, initially intended as a backup, seeing more ice time. While Dobes has shown promise, his performance has been inconsistent, suggesting he is better suited for a backup role.
These goaltending issues have fueled speculation that General Manager Kent Hughes might explore the trade market to acquire a goalie. However, former NHL executive Pierre McGuire suggests caution, particularly due to the emergence of prospect Jacob Fowler. McGuire has drawn a comparison between Fowler and Martin Brodeur, one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. McGuire stated that Fowler is the best prospect he has seen since Brodeur, emphasizing their similar approaches to the game.
Jacob Fowler, 21, has been a standout performer in the AHL for the Laval Rocket. In 13 games, he has a 9-4-0 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage, and three shutouts. Fowler's stellar performance raises the question of whether the Canadiens should refrain from making a significant trade for a goalie.
Given Fowler's potential to become the Canadiens' next franchise goalie, investing significant assets in acquiring a netminder might not be the best strategy, unless the deal brings in competition for Montembeault and Dobes at a minimal cost. This would mean avoiding high-profile goalies like Jordan Binnington, Tristan Jarry, or Elvis Merzlikins. Instead, the Canadiens could consider options such as Laurent Brossoit or taking a chance on Joel Blomqvist from the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have a surplus of goaltenders.
Fowler is expected to be in Montreal no later than the start of the 2026-27 season. His dominance at every level suggests he could be a significant asset for the Canadiens.
Martin Brodeur, who was born in Montreal, is considered one of the best goalies of all time. Brodeur played 22 seasons in the NHL, 21 of them with the New Jersey Devils. He won three Stanley Cups and is the league's all-time leader in wins (691), losses (397), shutouts (125), and games played (1,266). He also won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada.
The Canadiens' current goaltending situation requires careful consideration. While short-term solutions might be tempting, the emergence of Jacob Fowler as a potential franchise goalie suggests a more patient approach. The team may decide to wait and see how Fowler develops, making only minor adjustments to their goaltending roster in the meantime.
