Canadiens Goalies: The Primeau And Fowler AHL Situation

Playoff hockey is no longer on the docket for the Montreal Canadiens, but the Laval Rocket are primed for a lengthy playoff run, a situation that will necessitate a decision in regard to the team’s designated starting goalie.

Not exactly related to this piece, but any talk of what the plans are for the Rocket’s goaltending for the rest of the playoffs now? Primeau? Would Dobes be eligible? Obviously would be a bit mean to have him supplant Primeau in the playoffs.

— Allan Bradbury (@AllanBradbury) May 1, 2025

Cayden Primeau will be returned to the Rocket in the near future, which means the crease will be rather crowded, a result of signing top goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler after just two years in the NCAA.

Fowler has done well in Primeau’s absence, maintaining a .913 save percentage through three regular season games, as well as a .920 save percentage to secure Laval’s first playoff win on Wednesday night.

Jacob Fowler picks up the victory (25 saves) in his first professional game. @RocketLaval | #LAVvsSYR pic.twitter.com/OYLm48NnRZ

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) April 13, 2025

Balancing Priorities

Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent went out of his way to state Primeau was his go-to goalie once Fowler signed his amateur try-out, however, there are a few factors worth considering now that the circumstances have changed.

It’s always important to remember the most essential role for any AHL affiliate is developing players who will one day be capable of making an impact in the NHL. In that vein, it should be Fowler’s net to lose. He’s a key Canadiens prospect, and he also represents the next great hope for a dominant goalie in Montreal.

However, the priority can shift in the playoffs, where results tend to take precedence over development. After all, learning to win is also a critical factor in development.

Statistically speaking, Primeau has been the better goalie, as evidenced by his fantastic .920 save percentage, which he established alongside an impressive 21-2-2 record in the regular season. To put a fine point on his excellent play, he was arguably the best goaltender in the league.

Given that Primeau is the goalie that carried the Rocket to their best results in franchise history, don’t be surprised if Vincent decides to restore his status as the team’s starter, while also acknowledging that there’s an exceptional young goaltender waiting in the wings.

For what it’s worth, Jessika Lemay, an expert on all things Rocket, suggests it will probably be Primeau who starts the next game, but nothing is written in stone.

There will be plenty of opportunities to given Fowler professional experience in the next few seasons, and he can certainly take over should his counterpart falter, but for now, it’s fair to say Primeau deserves a chance to backstop the team as they focus on winning the Calder Cup.