Canadiens Call Up Fowler While Montembeault Is Evaluated
Montreal recalled Jacob Fowler from AHL Laval on Wednesday after Samuel Montembeault injured his right leg during practice. Montembeault was still being assessed, and the Canadiens wanted a healthy goalie available for Thursday's home game against Nashville. Fowler had posted strong numbers in his recent AHL appearances and had previous NHL experience with Montreal.
Montreal brought up Jacob Fowler from Laval on Wednesday, shortly after Samuel Montembeault exited practice with a right-leg issue in Brossard. Coach Martin St. Louis said Montembeault was still being checked, and the team did not explicitly link the recall to the injury. Because Laval next plays Saturday, adding Fowler gives Montreal a healthy netminder for Thursday’s Predators game at Bell Centre.
Fowler, 21, stopped pucks in both halves of a weekend back-to-back versus Syracuse, recording a 1.53 GAA and .945 save percentage. He previously appeared in 17 NHL games for Montreal last season, going 9-6-2 with a 2.43 GAA, .908 save percentage and one shutout. Jakub Dobes has started all three games for the 1-1-1 Canadiens.
The injury and recall may matter most to Canadiens fans, teammates, and the Laval goalie pipeline. If Montembeault misses time, Montreal could lean on Dobes or Fowler, affecting game outcomes and fan mood. Fowler’s opportunity may shape his development and future role. For broader audiences, it is a reminder of how quickly sports injuries can alter a team’s plans and a young athlete’s career path.