Canadiens Start Fowler and Engstrom Against Predators

The Montreal Canadiens will turn to rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler and defenseman Adam Engstrom against the Nashville Predators at Centre Bell on October 8, 2026, after an injury sidelined Samuel Montembeault and prompted lineup changes. Coach Martin St-Louis confirmed both decisions before the 7 p.m. game as Montreal looked to recover from a difficult start to its home schedule.

According to the Canadiens' morning practice updates, Fowler, 21, was recalled from the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket on Wednesday and will make his first appearance of the season. Engstrom will also make his season debut, replacing Jayden Struble on the third defensive pairing alongside Arber Xhekaj.

Montembeault had been expected to receive his first start of the season after Jakub Dobeš struggled in consecutive games, allowing 11 goals on 63 shots. However, Montembeault left Wednesday's practice with an injury. The team said he underwent examinations that day and was scheduled to meet with doctors Thursday evening.

St-Louis explained that Dobeš had played three consecutive games and that Fowler deserved an immediate opportunity following his recall.

"Dobeš has played three games in a row. We know Fowls is capable of playing in this league. It's about giving him the opportunity.

This is almost the best-case scenario for a player who gets recalled. He immediately enters the battle," St-Louis said.

The coach also emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation after a disappointing roster decision.

"If you want to play in the National Hockey League, you need that drive. When they tell you no, you keep working," St-Louis said.

Fowler responded well to his demotion after being cut at the end of training camp. According to the reports, he allowed three goals on 55 shots across two games with Laval, recording a 1.53 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage.

St-Louis described the circumstances surrounding Fowler's recall as an example of how quickly opportunities can arise.

"You have to be ready all the time. Things change quickly," St-Louis said.

He credited Fowler with remaining prepared despite his initial disappointment at being assigned to the minor leagues.

"If you want to play in the National Hockey League, you need that drive. When they tell you no, you keep working so you're ready when you get recalled. That's what he did," St-Louis said.

The coaching staff also outlined its expectations for Engstrom, who appeared in 15 NHL games last season, recording one assist and a plus-two rating. St-Louis said the defenseman needed to use his mobility and defensive awareness while contributing to the team's transition game.

Explaining the decision to sit Struble, St-Louis acknowledged that the competition among Montreal's defensemen made lineup choices difficult.

"Struble is an NHL defenseman, and Xhekaj is an NHL defenseman. We can't leave Adam in the stands too long. Today, it's Strubs.

Is there really a reason? Not really. Someone has to come out," St-Louis said.

The decision followed a 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. According to Natural Stat Trick, Struble and Xhekaj were on the ice together for 5 minutes and 1 second at five-on-five, during which Carolina held a 13-1 advantage in shot attempts and scored twice.

Forward Cole Caufield expressed confidence in Fowler's ability to handle the assignment, pointing to the young goaltender's composure and reliability.

"He gives off a lot of calm. You have no idea how old he is or how many games he has played. He's special. He's always in control and gives us a chance to win," Caufield said.

Phillip Danault also discussed the disappointment surrounding Montembeault's injury. The veteran forward noted that the goaltender had worked hard during training camp and had remained a positive presence even when he was not playing.

"He worked hard. He was encouraging during last year's playoffs and stayed positive. He was a big part of the team even when he wasn't playing, and he would have had his chance tonight.

It's unfortunate. I'm not worried that he'll get back on his feet and return even stronger," Danault said.

Danault said Montreal's players were focused on correcting mistakes rather than becoming concerned about the team's early results.

"There is no panic, that's for sure. We've addressed small details. We make little mistakes through inattention and force plays.

If we keep the game simple, opportunities open up. Keeping possession instead of just getting rid of the puck will make the difference in all three zones," Danault said.

Montreal was also dealing with the absence of Ivan Demidov, who was expected to miss two to four weeks, while Oliver Kapanen missed consecutive practices. The team said Kapanen's Wednesday absence was part of his return-to-play protocol and that he chose not to skate Thursday.

The matchup also marked a return to Centre Bell for William Trudeau in a Nashville uniform after four seasons with Laval. The former Montreal fourth-round pick in 2021 signed with the Predators during the offseason.

"I believed in my chances, and I still believe in my chances, of playing in the National Hockey League. I wouldn't go as far as saying Montreal didn't believe in me. It's a matter of opportunity and timing," Trudeau said.

Nashville entered the matchup after losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime despite holding two-goal leads on two occasions. According to the published team statistics, both Nashville and Montreal had records of 1-1-1, while the Canadiens had averaged 4.00 goals per game and allowed 4.67 through their first three contests.