The Montreal Canadiens are in an interesting position regarding their goaltending pipeline. With current starter Sam Montembeault solidifying his role and under a team-friendly contract for two more seasons, the organization has the luxury of patience with their developing netminders. However, the Canadiens understand the importance of a strong future in net and have several prospects with varying timelines and potential.
Currently, the prospect closest to NHL readiness appears to be Jakub Dobes, who already has NHL experience. Dobes played half of the 2024-25 season in Montreal and signed a two-year contract.
Beyond Dobes, several other goaltending prospects are in the Canadiens' system, each with their own strengths and areas for development.
Yevgeni Volokhin, 20, has an impressive professional resume, having played in the KHL. However, scouts question his size and consistency. Last season, Volokhin played for HC Sochi in the KHL but may return to the VHL, a Russian minor league, due to his current team's depth. The Canadiens are likely viewing Volokhin as a long-term project.
Jacob Fowler is another name Canadiens fans are watching. The team will be looking for growth in his positioning, patience, and mental resilience.
Arseni Radkov, 18, is considered one of the most intriguing goaltending prospects in the Canadiens' pool. At 6'4" and 200 pounds, he already possesses the physical attributes sought in modern goalies. Radkov showcased his potential at the Canadiens' development camp in July, displaying strong lateral movement and puck-tracking abilities. For the 2025-26 season, Radkov is slated to play for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL. He is also committed to the University of Massachusetts for 2026, suggesting a longer development path. The Canadiens drafted Radkov in the third round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Alexis Cournoyer is committed to Cornell University for the 2025-26 season and represents a longer-term project. Cornell has a history of producing well-structured, defensively sound teams, which is an ideal environment for a young goaltender to hone his craft.
The Canadiens' development camp featured four goaltenders and a total of 31 players. The team is employing guest coaches, including Ilia Ejov, goaltender coach for Concordia Stingers, and Alexandre Jacques, head coach for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL).
With a relatively stable NHL goaltending situation, the Canadiens can afford to be patient with their prospects. By staggering their timelines, the Canadiens hope to increase the odds of developing at least one or two into NHL contributors. Goaltender development is rarely linear, and the Canadiens' front office understands that rushing the process can be detrimental.
