Draft Steal: The Canadiens reportedly drafted the next Dominik Hasek in net by deciding to select Jacob Fowler

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MarcO
February 2, 2024 (8:39)

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Last summer, many experts agreed that Kent Hughes' next big mission was to find Carey Price's successor, and the next future goaltender for the organization.

Could it be mission already accomplished?

Jacob Fowler: A Great Move by the Montreal Canadiens?

The goalie drafted with the 69th overall pick in the last draft is really starting to excite experts.

In his rookie season in the NCAA, he's been very solid!

"CH prospect Jacob Fowler (G) is having an amazing season in the NCAA!

Record of 18-4-1
GAA of 2.25
Save percentage of .924

I wonder if we should rank him:

1) Top 5 CH prospects?

2) Top 10 NHL goalie prospects?

Your thoughts?" - M-O Beaudoin

And the excitement goes beyond just fans and experts who are solely interested in the Montreal Canadiens.

Former NHL player Ryan Whitney had a lot to say about Fowler on his Spittin' Chiclets podcast:

"He must be one of the best goaltenders I've seen in college hockey. He's 6'2" and Montreal picked him in the third round. The fact that this kid was a third-round pick, I'm telling you Canadiens fans, this kid is going to be a star in the NHL.

He's incredible, it's like he's Dominik Hasek, combined with Patrick Roy, Carey Price, and Martin Brodeur. This weekend, I saw a college goalie playing at a level I've never seen before."

- Ryan Whitney

He's going far, but let's just say we get what he means.

Fowler is very promising, and it seems even more remarkable coming from someone like Whitney, who is not particularly fond of the Montreal Canadiens.

Let's give him time to develop and wait, but yes, let's just say things are looking extremely good for Jacob Fowler's future in the NHL at the moment.

Whitney compares him to legends, but personally, let's look more at goalies who had a similar path to his at the same age. (Like Thatcher Demko and Jake Oettinger)

For sure, if the 2023 draft was held today, rest assured that Fowler would be picked much higher than the 69th overall pick.

He would clearly be a first-round pick, which makes him a great draft steal.

See the mentioned clip right here:

Credit: Marqueur.com