Canadiens May Have a Good Goaltending Problem

For years, one of the easiest things to say about the Montreal Canadiens was that they were still looking for the next great goaltender. Maybe that problem is disappearing.

Jakub Dobes had the kind of postseason that makes people sit up and take notice. He played well, looked comfortable and suddenly became a pretty important part of Montreal’s future. But here’s the funny thing about young goalies: sometimes the guy standing behind your starter can become just as interesting.

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That’s Where Jacob Fowler Comes In.

Fowler doesn’t have to beat Dobes for the starting job this season. In fact, that might not even be the best thing Montreal could do. He’s still young, he’s still learning, and there’s something pretty useful about allowing a goalie to develop without having the entire team sitting on his shoulders every night.

But he can push. And that’s what makes this interesting.

Fowler played only 17 NHL games last season, but he posted 7.1 goals saved above expected. His goals saved above expected per 60 minutes were actually better than Dobes’. I’m not suggesting that Fowler’s suddenly the better goalie. Seventeen games is a very small sample. But it does tell you there is something here worth watching.

Will Sam Montembeault Stay with the Canadiens?

If Sam Montembeault is moved, Fowler should have a pretty clear path to becoming Dobes’ backup. And that’s where things could get fun. Because a backup who is still developing is one thing. A young goalie who starts stealing starts from the guy everyone thinks is the future is something else.

Montreal may not need to decide who its No. 1 goalie is this season. That’s actually a luxury. Let Dobes play. Let Fowler play. See what happens. Maybe Dobes establishes himself as the guy. Maybe Fowler turns into a 1B who deserves 30 or 35 starts. Or maybe Fowler develops so quickly that Montreal has a real decision to make.

For the Canadiens, That’s the Problem Rebuilding Teams Dream About.

And there’s another reason I like this story. The Canadiens are moving out of the rebuilding stage and into the part where every position starts to matter. They don’t just need prospects anymore. They need players who can help them win.

Fowler could become one of those players sooner than people expect. He doesn’t have to steal the job from Dobes this season. He just has to make Montreal wonder if it has two really good young goalies instead of one. If that happens, the Canadiens’ biggest goaltending question may have quietly turned into one of their biggest strengths.

Related: Montreal’s Cap Wizardry Has Them Poised for a Blockbuster