Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender, Jacob Fowler, has just sent an interesting message to management, including Kent Hughes.
Since being sent down to the Laval Rocket on January 16, Jacob Fowler hasn’t been spending his days complaining about his situation.
On the contrary, the young goaltender is using this experience as fuel.
Let’s be honest, his impatience is understandable.
Fowler got a taste of NHL action over the course of ten games, posting a respectable 4-4-2 record with one shutout.
Let’s tell it like it is: when you prove you have the talent to play in the NHL, getting back on the bus in the American League requires a certain mental adjustment.
He admits himself that he thinks every day about what he needs to do to help the Canadiens win again.
However, he’s lucid enough to understand that playing time is crucial to his development, something he’s getting in abundance right now.
Jacob Fowler is dominating, but his fate doesn’t depend solely on him
“Every day I’m thinking about what I can do to get back there and help the team win.
The more you can try to play your best and put the best result on the ice, you’re going to get more opportunities. I’m happy with what I was able to prove up there, and I thought I showed some good things.”
– Jacob Fowler
The current situation in Laval is working in his favor.
With Kaapo Kahkonen sidelined by injury and listed as day-to-day, Fowler has taken over the net for the last five games (with a sixth already confirmed).
After a somewhat shaky return in which he allowed five goals, he bounced back in spectacular fashion.
That’s exactly what you want to see from a goaltender of the future: the ability to forget a bad night and then shut the door.
His overall numbers are worthy of a star goaltender: a 2.24 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
There’s no question those are the kind of numbers that make a lot of general managers dream.
But the contractual reality in Montreal is the real obstacle.
As long as the goaltenders currently in Montreal are doing the job, Fowler will have to remain patient.
One thing is certain: if he keeps dominating like this, he’ll force management’s hand sooner or later.
Jacob Fowler’s message is therefore very clear: he wants to return to the Montreal Canadiens as quickly as possible!
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics