Canadiens sign Jacob Fowler to three-year, entry-level contract

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced Friday that the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Jacob Fowler on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Fowler also signed a one-year, one-way AHL contract with the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Fowler was originally selected by the Canadiens No. 69 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft

The 20-year-old netminder just wrapped up his collegiate career with Boston College and most recently appeared in 36 games, compiling a 25-7-2 record, a .940 save percentage, a 1.63 goals-against average, and seven shutouts.

The Melbourne, Florida native ranked second among all NCAA goaltenders in GAA and shutouts, as well as third in wins and save percentage. His performance earned him the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year for the second straight season, in addition to being named among the finalists for the Mike Richter Award, awarded annually to the NCAA’s most outstanding goaltender, for the second consecutive season.

Fowler represented the USA at the 2024 World Junior Championship, where he appeared in all seven games and helped the club win gold with the likes of Washington Capitals forward and MVP Ryan Leonard, New York Rangers forward Gabe Perreault, Minnesota Wild prospect Zeev Buium, and Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis listed Fowler as his No. 1 player to watch at the 2025 Men’s NCAA Hockey Tournament. “It was a bit surprising not to see Fowler’s name on the Hobey Baker top 10 finalists lists. He is one of just three NCAA goaltenders boasting a save percentage above .940, and he has played some of his best hockey against other high-end programs,” Ellis said. “Fowler is listed as 6-foot-2, but he covers the net so effectively. He’s positionally solid, mentally strong and rarely gives up a bad goal. Year after year, no matter the level or event, Fowler finds ways to come out on top. Boston College will have the edge in the Manchester regional, but getting to the final could require him to take down the defending NCAA champions from Denver. The Canadiens have a good one here – and this will be Fowler’s chance to prove that on the big stage.”