Feb 28, 2025; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College goaltender Jacob Fowler (1) warms up before the game against New Hampshire at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

We’ve just had a major development regarding goaltender Jacob Fowler.

We’re speaking conditionally here, because it’s not confirmed, but this would be a huge twist for the Montreal Canadiens.

I’m having a hard time believing it, because it just doesn’t make sense as a decision, but Cam Robinson is a very reliable and well-informed expert.

Jacob Fowler would not sign with the Canadiens for now and would return to the NCAA

See his post.

“Nothing official, but there is some decent smoke out there that Jacob Fowler (MTL) is leaning towards returning to Boston College for a junior season.

The 20 year old posted a 25-7-2 record with a .940 SV% this year.”

– Cam Robinson, Elite Prospects

What a strange decision, if it’s confirmed.

Fowler literally has nothing left to prove in the NCAA, as he completely dominated this season.

What more could he possibly do next year?

Why get closer to full free agency like this?

It obviously raises questions..

This is a major story to watch in the coming hours, but all signs point to the Montreal Canadiens and the Laval Rocket having to do without Jacob Fowler for at least another year.

One thing’s for sure, it would explain why Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard (Boston College) have already signed NHL contracts.. while we still haven’t seen any signing announcement for Jacob Fowler.

One way or another, we’re likely to get official confirmation very soon.