He boasts of a goalkeeper who has had a great season, but also of a young man with whom a routine conversation “turns into a 30-minute conversation”.

For the first claim, we take him at his word. However, it is confirmed that the second statement is correct.

The Florida native, the Habs’ third-round pick in the 2023 draft, looked like a fish in water to Quebec journalists in Nashville on Thursday. He smiled from ear to ear, immediately greeted in French, and pointed out that several members of his family lived in Montreal and the Quebec region.

Whether it’s playing hockey, visiting relatives, or skiing in Tremblant, Fowler no longer counts his visits to the province. So getting selected by the Habs isn’t just “very”. Cool but “it comes full circle”.

In its final ranking, NHL Central Scouting ranked him fifth among North American goaltenders. He had had some talks with the CH but was aware that at that point any team could have chosen him. However, his excitement at becoming a member of the Canadiens seemed genuine. “I couldn’t have written a better script!” he exclaimed.

Fowler considers practicing a style based on simplicity. “Nothing sexy, I just want to stop the pucks,” he said. By comparing himself to Cam Talbot and Craig Anderson, he’s decidedly striving for sobriety. Still, he will add Jake Oettinger to the list.

He successfully managed “Stop the Pucks” last year. At Youngstown, he had the best clean sheet and save percentages in the USHL, a rarity for an 18-year-old goaltender. He was the league’s top goalkeeper and led his team to win the Clark Cup, awarded to the nation’s junior champions.

Specialty Coach Neil Conway discusses his take on the Elite game. “He sees the game at a very high level and at high speed,” he explained, praising his control of the puck outside his goal.

Trust

Fowler will have the opportunity to discover Montreal over the next few days at the organization’s development camp. In the fall he will then begin his university career at Boston College, where he will spend four years developing far away from the metropolis. The son of two lawyers, he will start studying communications, a decision that perfectly suits his personality.

He is open about his “confidence” but does not consider him “arrogant” (cocky). “I know my game and I know myself. I know what I can bring. He wants to improve his speed. He will have time in Boston.

The discerning observer will also have noticed that at 1.80 meters and just over 90 kilograms (18 years) he is not the slimmest member of his fraternity. This state of affairs does not worry the Habs at all.

“He’s a real competitor,” said Martin Lapointe, co-director of recruitment. When you are comfortable in your body, you can move fast and be athletic. It keeps getting better and thinner. He is very agile. For us, [sa forme physique] is not a priority. »

The headmaster concerned also does not seem to be affected by the additional pressure on his shoulders. “As a competitor, I don’t want it to be easy,” he said. I want to be in the spotlight. Printing is a privilege. I believe that you do your best under high pressure. »

If he manages to get a full-time job with the Canadiens, he’ll be served!