Jacob Fowler #1 of the Boston College Eagles (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler is focused on a big sophomore season with Boston College in the NCAA, but his heart is already in Montreal.
The 19-year-old is seen as one of the top goalie prospect in the NHL, and Canadiens fans have been following him with great detail since he was selected by the club in the summer of 2023.
But, as Fowler explained in a recent interview with RG, the feeling is mutual.
Can’t Wait To Be Part Of The Montreal Canadiens
Whenever the Montreal Canadiens draft a high-profile player, there’s always going to be a question as to whether said player will learn French. It’s a respectful gesture for players to be able to speak the local flavour and it’s a trend the club has been pushing more and more of its youngsters to do.
Fowler has not only embraced the idea of learning French but is also actively doing double duty to learn the language as best as possible before he turns pro.
“Learning French is a goal of mine, not just because I’m going to play in Montreal, but also for my family. I’m working on it in class and with Gabe (Perreault); getting a feel for classroom French and some Quebecois slang at the same time. My hope is to be able to do some basic interview questions in French when the time comes.”
It’s worth noting that Fowler has some roots in Quebec, with his grandfather having married a Quebec-born partner and his father having made routine trips to Montreal in his youth. It’s part of the reason that Fowler, despite being a Florida native himself, felt such a strong attachment to the city of Montreal and the Canadiens growing up.
It’s also why he understands his situation and respects the process of becoming a professional goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens.
“When you think of hockey and the roots of the game, you can’t not think of Montreal and Quebec. You want to play where hockey means the most, and it still gives me chills that I could be a part of that one day. To win a Stanley Cup in Montreal makes you immortal. I have pictures of me in a Habs jersey in my room, and playing with them would be a dream.”
High Expectations In The NCAA
The 69th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has been exceptional since being selected by the Canadiens.
The 19-year-old hit the ground running in his collegiate career, powering the Boston College Eagles to the Frozen Four last season. He posted a 32-6-1 record during that season, breaking the NCAA record for the most wins by a freshman goaltender.
It’s a resume that has earned the youngster praise across the NHL, most notably his former teammate, Will Smith, who referred to him as the steal of the 2023 NHL Draft.
When Smith’s praise was brought to Fowler’s attention, the young goaltender shrugged it off as love between two former teammates.
He understands the accolades that have come from his collegiate success, but being a draft steal isn’t the end game. For Fowler, he has a much bigger view of what greatness looks like and what it means to him.
After a bittersweet loss to the Denver University Pioneers last season in the NCAA Championship finals, Fowler is motivated and ready to power his team back to the Frozen Four.
“I’ve had an actual summer this year to work out and train. Last year, there was the USHL playoffs and the draft and then development camp, but, this year, I was really able to work on me. I was in the gym five days a week and on the ice three times a week too.”
Fowler’s physical development over the last year has been quite notable, and this summer has helped him better prepare for the upcoming season.
It’ll be a big one for Fowler and the Eagles, having lost star forwards like Will Smith and Cutter Gauthier to the NHL, but Fowler isn’t worried at all.
“It’s always tough to lose guys like that. Will and Cutter are such great guys who’ll be hard to replace. But we have a great set of freshmen coming in, including (James) Hagens and we feel we can go all the way this year.”
A Jump To The Pros In The Spring?
Like any major prospect in the NCAA, there’s always the conversation about the player turning pro at the end of the season and signing their entry-level contract.
Although Fowler dreams of playing for the Montreal Canadiens one day, he absolutely wants to be 100% ready before making that call.
“I love Montreal, but I have to focus on what’s in front of me right now. I have some trophies I want to win here in the NCAA, like the Beanpot, the Hockey East Playoffs, and the NCAA Championships. Those are my immediate goals, and I want to do everything I can to help my team get there.”
Due to the NHL’s CBA, NCAA-based players have four years to sign with their respective clubs. After four years or the summer following their graduation from college, those players are able to become free agents.
When it comes to Fowler, it’s not really a question of if he’ll sign with Montreal, but just when.
“When the time comes, my family, my advisor, and I will sit down and talk it through to see what’s best for me. Jumping to the pros is not easy for a young goaltender and I want to make sure that I do it right.”
It’s a wise decision, as we’ve seen young goaltenders like Cayden Primeau or Spencer Knight possibly leave college too soon for the NHL.
But one thing is for sure: When Fowler deems himself ready and accomplishes what he wants to do in the NCAA, Montreal is the place he wants to go.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
