The Montreal Canadiens had a successful season culminating in an Eastern Conference Final appearance. Before next season, several questions remain about Montreal’s goaltending.
What role does Samuel Montembeault have on the Canadiens moving forward? Will the two young goaltenders, Jakub Dobeš and Jacob Fowler, have the stamina to withstand 84 regular-season games and get the Canadiens to the playoffs? Will new goalie coach Marco Marciano make a meaningful difference?
Despite these questions, one thing is certain: the Montreal Canadiens will have a better presence in net this season.
Samuel Montembeault’s Stagnant Season
Samuel Montembeault was the Canadiens’ starting goaltender in the 2025-2026 season. This season was not his strongest performance. In the 2024-2025 regular season, Montembeault had a .902 save percentage and won 31 out of his 62 starts. Compared to this year, Montembeault posted an .872 average save percentage and only won 10 of his 25 starts. In 15 of these starts, Montembeault posted a save percentage below .850.
This performance, along with a series of losses, was one reason Jacob Fowler was called up from the Canadiens’ AHL team, the Laval Rocket. For several months, the Habs rolled with a nontraditional three-goalie rotation. This rotation allowed Canadiens management to decide on their playoff and future tandem, which does not include Montembeault.
Whether Montreal holds on to Montembeault or determines a new destination for him, it is clear that he will not be the starter this season.
Promising Prospect Jacob Fowler
Another factor that bodes well for the Habs’ future in net is 22-year-old goaltender Jacob Fowler. Fowler thrived playing for the Laval Rocket. Before being called up, Fowler had 19 wins in 27 starts, three shutouts, and an exceptional .916 save percentage. When he was called up to the Canadiens, Fowler was equally impressive in his first appearances, posting a .908 save percentage.
Fowler proved his worth to the Canadiens when he was called up on March 11 and, hours later, thrown into a key divisional game against the Ottawa Senators. This game came down to one goal and a nail-biting final minute, in which Fowler faced eight shot attempts and five shots on goal. In this moment, Fowler earned the first star of the game and the trust of the Canadiens organization.
His calm demeanor and skill make him the league’s top goalie prospect.
Battle-Tested Jakub Dobeš
In addition to Jacob Fowler, the Canadiens have Jakub Dobeš. Dobeš was one of the most exciting goalies to watch during this year’s playoffs. Beyond his high skill level, Dobeš proved he can win games while playing with intensity. Dobeš took four penalties this postseason, the most out of any goalie in the league.
In addition to his attitude, his numbers in the playoffs speak for themselves. In 19 games, Dobeš averaged a .908 save percentage. Dobeš won 9 of his 19 games, with the team finally falling in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. In this impressive run, Dobeš started every game. He also won back-to-back Game 7s, posting an exceptional .966 and a .949 in each game, respectively.
In addition to this, it was Dobeš’ exceptional regular-season play at the beginning of April, an eight-game win streak in which Dobeš played five, that led to the Canadiens clinching their playoff spot. He will undoubtedly be the tender the Canadiens rely on most next season, especially under their new goalie coach.
Marco Marciano As a New Coach
Marco Marciano replaced Éric Raymond as Canadiens goalie coach in late January. Marciano had been with the Rocket since 2017 before he was promoted to the main club for his repeated success with all three goalies. This hiring change significantly bumped the team’s save percentage from .879 to a steady .908 for the remainder of the season.
To Fowler and Dobeš’s advantage, goalie coach Marco Marciano will be with them for an entire season instead of just half, improving stability in the crease.
How Reliable Will This Tandem Be?
Having two young goaltenders, on what is already the youngest team in the league, puts the Canadiens in a unique position. What this tandem may lack in experience, they make up for in talent, work ethic, and composure.
Hockey Hall of Famer and retired Habs goaltender Carey Price commented on the young goalies, saying, “I really love Dobeš’ compete level; he’s got that ‘grrr’ in his game, he’s got that swagger. I really enjoy watching that. Fowler kind of reminds me more of myself, a little more reserved.” Dobeš and Fowler’s styles complement each other.
Tune in to see the Habs season start on September 29, 2026, at 7 pm EST.
Leave a comment