Montreal Canadiens Goaltender Jacob Fowler Proves Billy Ryan Right in the NHL
Jacob Fowler stands as a primary reason for the Montreal Canadiens’ early success in the 2026-27 season, validating a fierce internal debate that occurred inside the team’s draft room three years prior, habsolumentfan.com reported. Selected 69th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the 21-year-old goaltender has captured a 7-1-1 record through his first nine appearances. He boasts a .925 save percentage alongside a 2.17 goals-against average, leading the league in goals saved above expected.
The path to selecting Fowler involved a contentious backstage dispute among Montreal’s personnel department. During the 2023 draft, Billy Ryan, the club’s director of player evaluation, argued passionately for Fowler against Vincent Riendeau, a goaltending specialist scout who favored another prospect. Behind-the-scenes footage later revealed Ryan putting his fist on the table to defend Fowler’s competitive mentality, noting that the young American had understood how to win hockey games since age ten.
The Canadiens positioned themselves to secure Fowler after trading their late first-round pick and a second-round selection to acquire forward Alex Newhook, leaving the team without a pick until the third round. While the organization held internal debates, a persistent rumor highlighted by journalist Nicolas Cloutier on BLVD and 99.5 MTL pointed to Slovak goaltender Adam Gajan as the alternative target preferred by dissenting voices. The Chicago Blackhawks ultimately selected Gajan 35th overall, making him the first goaltender chosen in the 2023 draft before five other netminders, including Fowler, were picked.
This is amazing. Montreal Canadiens Director of Player evaluation and Amateur scout Billy Ryan going to bat for the Canadiens to draft goalie Jacob Fowler. Job well done and the right pick. 7-1-0 1.84 GAA .932 save percentage with 2 shutouts on the season so far #GoHabsGo https://t.co/v2LzqUTU6D
Diverging Paths for 2023 Goaltender Class
Gajan has experienced a much slower professional development arc since being selected 35th overall. Born in Poprad, Slovakia, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound netminder played in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers before spending two seasons in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After appearing in a single game for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs last season, Gajan began the current campaign with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel, posting a 2-4-0 record across six appearances.
None of the five goaltenders drafted ahead of Fowler in 2023—Gajan, Michael Hrabal, Trey Augustine, Carson Bjarnason, and Damian Clara—have yet played a regular-season game in the NHL. Fowler, meanwhile, has already logged 26 appearances in the league and established himself as Montreal’s number one goaltender. His performances have drawn comparisons to Carey Price, who remarked that the young goaltender’s early career reminded him of his own beginnings.
Jacob Fowler earns NHL weekly and monthly honours
What recognition has Jacob Fowler received for his early-season performance?
The NHL named Fowler the third star of the week in addition to rookie of the month honours for his stellar play in the crease.
Why did Adam Gajan start the season in the ECHL?
Professional hockey organizations frequently assign young goaltenders to the ECHL to guarantee heavy playing time, depending on the internal depth chart and organizational structure.
How did Montreal secure the draft position to select Fowler?
The Canadiens traded their late first-round selection and a second-round pick to acquire forward Alex Newhook, which gave them the flexibility to target Fowler later in the third round.