The Montreal Canadiens have an interesting situation developing between the pipes, and for longtime fans, it might bring back memories of a familiar goaltending debate. With Jacob Fowler impressing early in the 2026-27 season and Jakub Dobes struggling to find consistency, the Canadiens could eventually face a difficult decision regarding their future in net. While it is still very early, the situation has some similarities to the famous Carey Price-Jaroslav Halak debate that divided Canadiens fans more than 15 years ago. Could Montreal eventually find itself in a position where it has to choose between two young goaltenders once again? Price-Halak Similarities Back in the late 2000s, the Canadiens had two promising young goaltenders in Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak. Price was considered the franchise’s future in net after being selected fifth overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, while Halak, a ninth-round selection in 2003, had worked his way into the NHL and established himself as a legitimate option. The debate reached its peak during the 2009-10 season, when Halak took over the starting role and delivered an unforgettable playoff performance. He helped Montreal eliminate the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins before the Canadiens eventually fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Final. Despite Halak’s incredible performances, the Canadiens decided to stick with Price, trading Halak to the St. Louis Blues in June 2010 for Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. The decision was controversial at the time, but history ultimately proved Montreal right, as Price became one of the greatest goaltenders in franchise history. Fast forward to today, and the Canadiens have another interesting young tandem in Fowler and Dobes. Like Price, Fowler is viewed as the organization’s long-term solution in net, while Dobes, a fifth-round selection, has exceeded expectations and proven capable of playing at the NHL level. Obviously, the circumstances are different, but the similarities are difficult to ignore. Fowler Taking Over Entering the 2026-27 season, Dobes appeared to have the upper hand in Montreal’s goaltending situation. Following an impressive playoff run and a new contract extension, the 25-year-old seemed ready to establish himself as the Canadiens’ starting goaltender. However, things have not gone according to plan. Through his first four starts, Dobes has posted a 1-2-1 record, a 4.63 goals-against average, and an .842 save percentage. While Montreal’s defensive struggles have certainly not helped, Dobes has looked uncomfortable at times and has struggled to deliver the consistency the team needs. Meanwhile, Fowler has taken full advantage of his opportunity. Recalled following Samuel Montembeault’s injury, the young American has impressed in his first four appearances, winning three games while posting a 2.16 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Fowler has not been perfect, but he has brought a level of stability that the Canadiens desperately needed early in the season. More importantly, he has looked increasingly comfortable playing against NHL competition. At this point, it is becoming difficult to justify sending Fowler back to the Laval Rocket, especially if he continues performing at this level. The Canadiens clearly view Fowler as a major piece of their future, and his early performances suggest that future might arrive sooner than initially anticipated. Trading Dobes a Possibility? This brings us to an interesting question: Could the Canadiens eventually consider trading Dobes? It might sound premature, especially considering how important Dobes was during Montreal’s playoff run last season. However, if Fowler continues to establish himself as the organization’s number-one goaltender, management could eventually have a decision to make. With Montembeault expected to return from injury and Dobes already under contract for the foreseeable future, the Canadiens could find themselves with three NHL-calibre goaltenders competing for playing time. Of course, keeping Fowler and Dobes together would also be a legitimate option. Having two talented young goaltenders is hardly a bad problem, particularly for a team hoping to compete for the Stanley Cup in the coming years. However, Dobes could also become an interesting trade asset. At 25 years old, he has already demonstrated that he can perform under pressure, particularly during last season’s playoffs. His age, experience, and contract could make him attractive to teams searching for help in net. If Montreal believes Fowler is ready to become its long-term starter, trading Dobes could allow Kent Hughes to address another organizational need while maximizing the value of an asset. That said, the Canadiens should not rush into anything. Four difficult starts are nowhere near enough to give up on a young goaltender who has already shown considerable promise. The Price-Halak situation is a reminder that difficult decisions sometimes have to be made, but also that patience and confidence in a long-term plan can pay off. For now, Montreal should allow both Fowler and Dobes to compete and develop. Still, if Fowler continues his impressive rise, the Canadiens could eventually face a familiar decision that might shape the franchise’s future between the pipes.
