What Happened
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault has no timeline for his return after sustaining an apparent right leg or right groin injury during practice on Wednesday at the CN Sports Complex. Head coach Martin St. Louis announced Thursday that the netminder was set for further medical evaluation. With Montembeault sidelined and Jakub Dobes currently holding the starting role, the Canadiens recalled young goaltender Jacob Fowler from Laval. Fowler is slated to start in goal for Thursday evening's matchup against the Nashville Predators.
Key Details
- Montembeault was injured during the final drills of Wednesday's practice.
- Emergency backup goaltender Nicolas Ruccia filled in at practice after Montembeault left the ice.
- Jacob Fowler appeared in 17 NHL games last season with a 9-6-2 record.
- Fowler recorded a 2.43 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage last season.
What It Means
The injury creates an unexpected goaltending opportunity for the 21-year-old Fowler, who previously spent time developing in Laval. With Jakub Dobes having taken over the primary role entering the season, Fowler's performance in the crease during Montembeault's absence will provide vital organizational depth for Montreal.
What's Next
Jacob Fowler will start in goal for the Montreal Canadiens against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.