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A Montreal Canadiens prospect is better than Spencer Knight
Expert Scott Wheeler has struck again this week, confirming another steal orchestrated by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.
After publishing his top 100 skater prospects, Scott Wheeler has followed up with a top 20 list of the best goalie prospects.
Fans will have something to smile about, as the young American goalie Jacob Fowler ranks third among the top goaltending prospects.
Jacob Fowler is the third-best goaltending prospect in the entire NHL: what an acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens!
The 19-year-old American is just behind Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) and Yaroslav Askarov (Nashville Predators). Both goalies are older and closer to the NHL. The journey to the NHL can be long—just ask Cayden Primeau!
The 19-year-old American is just behind Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) and Yaroslav Askarov (Nashville Predators). Both goalies are older and closer to the NHL. The journey to the NHL can be long—just ask Cayden Primeau!
The Canadiens' third-round pick in the 2023 draft has nothing to envy from other goalies who are currently close to the NHL. He ranks ahead of Spencer Knight, Devon Levi, and Dustin Wolf, among others. This isn't a bad ranking considering Levi and Wolf are very close to the NHL. Injuries have slowed Spencer Knight, but he is seen as Bobrovsky's successor in Florida.
The journalist has nothing but praise for Fowler and even predicts an excellent career for him. He seems to be an exceptional goalie with all the tools for success.
«Fowler has established himself as one of the top goaltending prospects in the sport thanks to his play over the past three seasons. It began when he was named to the USHL Second All-Star Team three years ago and the First All-Star Team two years ago, after leading the league in save percentage and goals-against average[].
[] He's the kind of goalie who, if he sees a shot and moves toward it, he will stop it.[].
[] He has a legitimate chance not only to be an NHL goaltender but to be a very good one, and there aren't many goalies his age (or even a bit older) that I'd feel comfortable saying that about[].» - Scott Wheeler
[] He's the kind of goalie who, if he sees a shot and moves toward it, he will stop it.[].
[] He has a legitimate chance not only to be an NHL goaltender but to be a very good one, and there aren't many goalies his age (or even a bit older) that I'd feel comfortable saying that about[].» - Scott Wheeler
With Boston College, the 69th pick of the 2023 draft posted a record of 32-6-1, with a save percentage of 0.926 and a goals-against average of 2.14. Despite his recent success, it seems the young man wants to take his time. The path for a goalie is much longer than for a defenseman or forward.
Indeed, even though he can sign with the organization that drafted him right now, Fowler wants to transition to professional hockey when he is ready. One can foresee a three or four-year development period in American college hockey.
La Presse - Jacob Fowler wants to take his time
«Every player is different. Whether I'm ready in two, three, or four years, I'm not in a hurry. I'd rather be overprepared than underprepared. There are many factors beyond the games we play that come into play.» - Jacob Fowler
Theoretically, Fowler can stay in the NCAA for another three seasons, so he has plenty of time to prepare. A lot can happen in those three seasons.
«Three years is a long time,» Fowler agreed. «My last three years were crazy. In three years, it could be completely different. I'm going back to spend the rest of the summer in Boston to get ready to win a championship next season.» - Jacob Fowler
It wouldn't be surprising if, after another strong season with Boston College, the Canadiens accelerated his process and brought him to Laval. If his team were to be eliminated before the end of the AHL season, he could be called up to the Laval Rocket. This would provide an overview of his progress and whether he's ready for the challenge with the Canadiens' farm team the following year. As Stéphane Waite would say, we'll need to wait 100 to 150 starts with Laval before bringing him to the big club.
All Habs will be sure to follow his exploits with Boston College in the 2024-2025 season.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 305 ANSWERS A Montreal Canadiens prospect is better than Spencer Knight According to you, which goalie prospect is the better one? | ||
| Jacob Fowler | 223 | 73.1 % |
| Yaroslav Askarov | 56 | 18.4 % |
| Jesper Wallstedt | 13 | 4.3 % |
| Spencer Knight | 13 | 4.3 % |
| List of polls | ||