Jacob Fowler: Scouting Report of the Canadiens Prospect’s Season

Jacob Fowler is an imposing presence in net, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 214 pounds. Born on November 23, 2004, he currently plays for Boston College in the NCAA. His playing style relies heavily on his anticipation and ability to position himself effectively in the crease. His advanced technique and rebound control make him a quality prospect for the future of the Montreal Canadiens between the pipes. In the latest top 15 rankings by our TSLH Prospects scouts for Canadiens prospects, Fowler ranked 2nd or 3rd among all CH prospects. Here is a complete analysis of Jacob Fowler’s season as he begins his journey through regional tournaments—the first step toward the Frozen Four.

Statistical Observations

Throughout the current NCAA season, Jacob Fowler has delivered several notable performances under the close watch of our scouts. Within these games, we have observed certain trends regarding the quality scoring chances he faces.

On January 10 against Merrimack, he suffered a 5-2 loss after facing 24 shots, seven of which were considered dangerous. Unfortunately, five of those shots found the back of the net.

On January 25, he recorded a shutout against Boston University in a 3-0 victory, stopping 30 shots. An analysis of these shots revealed that 79% came from long range or were unscreened, though he still had to make four to five key saves due to his teammates’ mistakes. Despite this, it was considered a relatively easy game to manage for a goaltender. Another shutout came on January 17 against Providence, where he stopped 24 shots. This game was also deemed relatively easy, as only one shot resulted from a cross-ice pass, and very few quality chances were generated by the opposition.

On December 6 against UMass, he faced 34 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss. This was the game in which he was tested the most in terms of shot quality. The first two goals were scored on screened shots, while another came after he had to make several quick lateral movements.

What we can conclude from Fowler’s overall performances this season is that he was not consistently challenged by high-quality shots. Very often, the shots he faced were not particularly dangerous, and a goaltender with Fowler’s style does not typically allow goals in such situations. That said, when under pressure, some inconsistencies emerged in his game.

Game Analysis

Jacob Fowler stands out for his mobility and ability to read the play, allowing him to anticipate opposing actions with remarkable efficiency. His movements are always calculated, and he rarely seems caught off guard. However, a question remains regarding his ability to maintain his level of play when his workload increases significantly.

In a game against UMass, where he was under heavier pressure, he showed signs of fatigue late in the contest. This raises concerns about his ability to handle games where he must make several quick movements over a prolonged sequence. This is something we have seen on multiple occasions this season, not just in a single game. Fowler is capable of elevating his game when needed, but when things get chaotic in front of him, it becomes more difficult. However, this doesn’t happen often behind a team like Boston College, so the strength of his team somewhat masks this issue.

Rebound control has been one of his greatest strengths since his draft year. When facing long-range shots, he absorbs the puck or directs it into safe areas, preventing opponents from capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. If a shooter fails to move him laterally with cross-ice passes and he has a clear view of the shot, he becomes extremely difficult to beat—mainly due to his size and impeccable positioning. However, in a particular game against Merrimack, he showed some vulnerability when facing forwards driving directly into the slot, which led to goals against.

His saves on low shots are excellent, largely due to his pad management. He effectively directs pucks away and maintains his position even under pressure. However, when he has to move more frequently, he appears to lose energy. Regarding high shots, he also performs well, though he has allowed a few blocker-side goals. However, this is not a concerning trend at this stage. His glove hand is particularly reliable, allowing him to absorb shots and slow the game down when necessary.

Mentality and Competitiveness

One of the more challenging aspects to evaluate with Jacob Fowler is his competitiveness in critical moments. Since he rarely faces high-danger shots in his games at Boston College, it is difficult to determine with certainty how he would react under high-pressure situations. However, in one game against UMass, he demonstrated strong resilience: with his team trailing 3-1, he made several crucial saves, allowing them to tie the game and force overtime.

Additionally, his steady development since his time in the USHL indicates that he possesses the attitude and determination required to perform at a high level.

Projection and Risks

Jacob Fowler is projected as a potential 1B goaltender in the NHL. He has several attributes that could help him reach this level, including his rebound control, anticipation, and composure in net. However, some concerns remain about his ability to handle a high volume of dangerous shots in a single game. So far, he has rarely been tested in situations requiring multiple lateral movements or sequences of quick reactions in a short period. Therefore, it will be crucial to monitor his adaptation to a faster and more demanding level of play.

Two major risks have been identified in his development: the possibility that he struggles when exposed to a higher workload and the concern that he may lose energy throughout a game when required to move more frequently. These factors will need to be closely observed as he transitions to professional hockey, particularly in the AHL.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Exceptional rebound control
• High-level anticipation and positioning
• Composure and game management
• Strong low and high shot management

Weaknesses:

• Limited exposure to high-quality shots
• Uncertainty about his ability to maintain effectiveness in a game requiring frequent movement

NCAA 2024-2025 Statistics:

• Games Played: 32
• Wins: 24
• Losses: 5
• Save Percentage: .941
• Goals Against Average: 1.62
• Shutouts: 7

Conclusion

Jacob Fowler remains a promising prospect thanks to his impeccable technique and elite positioning. If he can prove that he can handle a heavier workload while maintaining his efficiency, he could become a solid NHL goaltender in the medium to long term. His development has been relatively linear so far—the goaltender we see now is the same as the one we saw in the USHL in 2022-2023. However, he is now excelling at a higher level, the NCAA.

That being said, he has always played behind strong teams. That was the case in Youngstown, and it remains true at Boston College. Against the top players of his age group at the World Junior Championship, Jacob Fowler looked slightly less dominant, making it something to watch closely when he transitions to the AHL—not just for his first two or three games, but beyond that.

Photo Credit: Emile Houde