Canadiens Turn to Youth as Jacob Fowler Earns First NHL Call-Up
So, here’s what’s happening with the Montreal Canadiens right now, and it’s been quite the shift in momentum. After a tough 6–1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning — their second straight defeat on home ice — the team decided to shake things up. Three players were recalled from the AHL’s Laval Rocket: goaltender Jacob Fowler, defenceman Adam Engstrom, and forward Owen Beck. It was announced shortly after the game, almost like the organization wanted to send a message that fresh energy was needed immediately.
The biggest headline here is Jacob Fowler. At just 21 years old, he’s considered the Canadiens’ top goaltending prospect, and he’s finally getting his first NHL call-up. His numbers in Laval this season practically demanded attention. A 10-5-0 record, a .919 save percentage, and a 2.08 goals-against average over 15 games — that’s elite-level development for someone in his first full AHL season. Add in three shutouts, and it’s clear why he was someone the Habs couldn’t ignore anymore. He was drafted 69th overall back in 2023, and it feels like his progression has been right on schedule, maybe even ahead of it.
Also Read:Joining him is Adam Engstrom, the 22-year-old Swedish defenceman who’s now on his second stint with the big club this year. He didn’t register a point in the two NHL games he played in late November, but his play in Laval has been strong. With five goals and eleven assists in just 20 games, he’s been one of Laval’s most productive blueliners. You can almost sense that the Canadiens want to see whether he can bring that same poise and puck-moving ability to the NHL level with a longer look.
Then there’s Owen Beck, who might be the most familiar name to fans. At 21, he already has 14 NHL games under his belt over the past two seasons. This year, he’s been steady in Laval with 11 points across 22 games. Beck's call-up feels like a move to bring some reliability and versatility back into the lineup — someone who understands the system and can plug into different roles without needing much time to adjust.
All of these moves seem to signal that the Canadiens are looking for a spark heading into a busy stretch. Their next game is in Pittsburgh on Thursday, followed by a demanding weekend back-to-back against the Rangers and Oilers. With Fowler, Engstrom, and Beck joining the roster, the team is clearly betting on youthful energy to shift the tone and possibly re-ignite some momentum at a critical point in the season.
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