Canadiens send rookie Jacob Fowler to AHL Laval, ending three-goalie rotation

By Canadian Press on January 16, 2026.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have sent rookie Jacob Fowler to the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, ending a three-goalie rotation.

The Canadiens announced the move Friday, a day after Fowler gave up four goals on 26 shots in a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Montreal also loaned forward Owen Beck to the Rocket.

The NHL club recalled Fowler on Dec. 9 amid goaltending troubles for Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes.

Fowler posted a .902 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average in 10 games with the Canadiens. The 21-year-old American has a .919 save percentage and 2.09 GAA with the Rocket this season.

The Canadiens sent Montembeault, the incumbent starter, to Laval for a conditioning stint on Dec. 16. He has a 3-0-1 record since returning to Montreal on Dec. 27, pushing his numbers to a .874 save percentage and 3.35 GAA in 19 games this season.

Dobes, meanwhile, has a .888 save percentage and a 3.01 GAA in 22 games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press

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