One of the developing stories around the Montreal Canadiens this offseason will be how the situation in net evolves. For now, at least, Samuel Montembeault is the Habs’ number one goaltender, and it looks like the backup role will be Jakub Dobes’ to lose.
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Newly signed prospect Jacob Fowler will need at least one season of full-time action in the AHL before the organization can even consider bringing him into the NHL. Meanwhile, Connor Hughes has already announced that he’ll be heading back to Switzerland, and Cayden Primeau will be a restricted free agent once more.
Joe Verbatic, drafted in the seventh round in 2022, has yet to be signed to an ELC, and unless he is by June 1, the Canadiens will relinquish their rights to him. Emmett Croteau, who was a sixth-round pick in 2022 will still be plying his trade with Dartmouth in the NCAA, fifth-round pick at the 2024 draft Mikus Vecvanags will move from the QJMHL to the NCAA with the University of Maine, Quentin Miller who went from the Quebec Remparts to the BCHL since he was picked 128th overall at the 2023 draft will also be moving to the NCAA with the University of Denver.
But there’s another goaltending prospect who will still be skating in the KHL: Yevgeni Volokhin. We’ve not heard much about him so far, but on Tuesday. RG.org published a lengthy interview with the netminder who was picked in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, and clearly, he has his sights set on the Canadiens and the NHL.
While we’ve not heard much about him this season, compared to, say, Ivan Demidov, whose every move was on social media, the Canadiens are keeping close tabs on him. Nick Bobrov calls or texts him every two to three weeks, and every time there’s something important. The Canadiens' co-director of amateur scouting provides advice on his game and/or mental preparation.
According to the interview, Volokhin plans to attend the development camp this Summer, and it will be interesting to see what he can bring to the table. While most people believe Fowler will be the Canadiens’ number one when the team is ready to contend, it’s worth remembering that there are other options in the depth chart.
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