Kent Hughes makes a better acquisition than Spencer Knight, and it's big

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MarcO
July 27, 2024 (11:35)

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Expert Scott Wheeler has just confirmed another steal for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

After compiling his top-100 prospects, forwards and defensemen, of the NHL, Scott Wheeler has followed up with his top-20 best goaltending prospects.

You will be delighted to see that the Canadiens have a goaltender in the top-3 in Jacob Fowler.

Jacob Fowler is the third-best goaltending prospect in the entire NHL: what an acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens!

The 19-year-old American ranks third among the most promising goaltenders, behind Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) and Yaroslav Askarov (Nashville Predators).

The 2023 third-round pick (69th overall) has nothing to envy from goalies who currently have a foot in the NHL. He is actually ranked first in the second tier of Wheeler's ranking, ahead of Spencer Knight, Devon Levi, and Dustin Wolf.

The journalist has only good things to say about Fowler and even predicts an excellent career for him. He seems to be an exceptional goaltender with everything needed to succeed.

«Fowler has established himself as one of the top goaltending prospects in the sport thanks to his play over the last three seasons. It started when he was named to the USHL's Second All-Star Team three years ago and the First All-Star Team two years ago after leading the league in save percentage and goals-against average[...].

[...]He's the kind of goalie who, if he sees a shot and tracks it, he'll stop it.[...].

[...]He has a legitimate chance not only to be an NHL goaltender but also to be a very good one, and there aren't many goalies his age (or even a bit older) that I am comfortable saying that about[...].» - Scott Wheeler

Last season with Boston College, the goaltender posted a record of 32-6-1, with a save percentage of 0.926 and a goals-against average of 2.14. Despite his recent success, it seems that the young man wants to take his time.

Indeed, even though he can now sign with the organization that drafted him, Fowler wants to make the jump to professional hockey when he is ready.

La Presse - Jacob Fowler wants to take his time

«Every player is different. Whether I'm ready in two, three, or four years, I'm not in a hurry. I'd rather be too ready than not ready enough. There are many other factors than just the games we play that come into play.» - Jacob Fowler

Theoretically, Fowler can stay in the NCAA for another three seasons, so he has plenty of time to prepare. A lot can happen during those three seasons.

«Three years is a long time,» agreed Fowler. «My last three years were crazy. In three years, it could be completely different. I will go back to spend the rest of the summer in Boston to be ready to win a championship next season.» - Jacob Fowler

Despite everything, it wouldn't be surprising if the Canadiens accelerate the process if he has another good season in the American university system. He could very well finish the 2024-2025 campaign with the Laval Rocket, as we have seen with several American prospects, and start the following campaign as the Laval Rocket's number 1 goaltender.

It will be interesting to follow the development of the young goaltender with Boston College over the next winter!