yardbarker
Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis announced that rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler will make his 2026-27 regular-season debut and start Thursday night against the Nashville Predators at the Bell Centre.
St. Louis also confirmed that rookie defenseman Adam Engstrom will make his season debut Thursday, taking the place of fellow Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble on the blue line.
Fowler was recalled early Wednesday evening after Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault left practice early Wednesday morning with a lower-body injury. Montembeault went down while attempting a save early in the team's practice session in Brossard and had difficulty getting back to his feet. After eventually rising, he skated gingerly to the bench and then headed down the runway to the dressing room. Later that day, at 5:30 p.m. ET, the team announced Fowler's recall.
Excluding the preseason, this will be Fowler's first appearance in the Canadiens lineup since May 16, when he relieved goaltender Jakub Dobes in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Buffalo Sabres. His most recent regular-season start came on April 12, when he made 32 saves in a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders. Last season, Fowler posted a 9-6-2 record with a 2.48 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and one shutout.
Despite performing well in training camp and the preseason, Fowler surprisingly did not make the Canadiens' opening-night roster. After expressing frustration over the decision, he was dominant in Laval's opening weekend. The former Boston College star and Canadiens' 2023 third-round pick (69th overall) went 1-1-0 with a 1.53 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage.
Following an optional skate Thursday morning, Montreal Gazette reporter Stu Cowan asked St. Louis how impressed he was with Fowler channeling his frustration into his game and playing so well in Laval last weekend. "It's nothing that we don't know," St. Louis replied. "So, I wouldn't say that we were impressed. I already know his track record; the way he carries himself. Fowls wants to be a dominant player in the NHL and he's on a path right now where he's not worried about the path. I think he has a vision and he's staying on course with that vision. If that means he had to go to Laval and just go down there and be his best version, that's what he did, and he's going to come up here and he's going to have the same mindset. So, we're confident of what he can bring."
Cowan then asked St. Louis why he believes Fowler can handle the pressure of playing goalie for the Canadiens in the intense Montreal market. "I think his focus," St. Louis said. "He's very focused and driven on what he wants to do and accomplish. I think that alone is what you need."
As for Engstrom, who will make his season debut Thursday, St. Louis hopes the 22-year-old Swedish defenseman will use his skating and awareness more in the defensive zone. "We know that he's got great offensive instincts and offensive ability," St. Louis said of Engstrom. "We expect to see that but the other part of the game, he's gotta dial that in at this level. The compete level defensively... which he's got great feet; he's got great anticipation. He just has to use his feet defensively as much as he would use it offensively and I think he's capable of doing that."
Key Analysis
Fowler's promotion comes at a critical juncture for Montreal, as the team navigates an early-season injury to Montembeault. The rookie's strong AHL performance and previous NHL experience, including a playoff relief appearance, suggest he is ready for the opportunity. Meanwhile, Engstrom's insertion into the lineup reflects the coaching staff's desire to see improved defensive play from the young blueliner. Both players will be under scrutiny as the Canadiens face the Predators.
Here is the expected lineup for the Canadiens on Thursday night against the Nashville Predators:
Forwards:
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Chris Kreider
Juraj Slafkovsky – Alex Newhook – Kirby Dach
Alexandre Texier – Phillip Danault – Zach Bolduc
Florian Xhekaj – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson
Defense:
Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson
Lane Hutson – Alexandre Carrier
Adam Engstrom – Arber Xhekaj
Goalies:
Jacob Fowler
Jakub Dobes
Originally reported by yardbarker.