Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes came into the 2024-25 season without any expectations. By the end of the season, he made a name for himself with his stellar play and competitiveness. The 24-year-old turned heads during his short stint in Montreal, thus earning a new two-year, one-way deal with the Canadiens earning a reasonable $965,000 per season.
Canadiens' Dobes earns new role
Dobes was drafted by the Canadiens with the 136th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Since he was drafted, he has pushed himself into a full-time spot on the Montreal roster. Last season, he did just that as he is now the backup to starter Samuel Montembeault. He does not have competition for that role yet, as former Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Now that Dobes knows his role in the 2025-26 season, the 6-foot-4 and 215-pound netminder can focus on what has to be done. he knows there is pressure to do well and make the playoffs but he was smooth in between the pipes last season, letting his play do the talking. He finished last season with a 7-4-3 record, a 2.74 goals against average, a .909 save percentage, and one shutout. That shutout, the first of his career, came in his first NHL game against the Florida Panthers on December 28, 2024. He finished fourth in wins among NHL rookie goaltenders.
What to expect from Dobes
Dobes played a small number of games last season but he impressed in those games. His first game was against the eventual Stanley Cup champions and he shut them out. He made numerous saves to keep the Canadiens in games and played well throughout. Montembeault is the starter and Dobes knows that. His time will come shortly and he is setting himself up for success. His poise, determination, and reliable play for a young goalie should not go unnoticed. He is capable of getting the job done in a high-pressure position in a high-pressure city.
The Canadiens now have a team that has strong defense and strong goaltending to compete for a Stanley Cup. With last week's acquisition of young defenseman Noah Dobson, Montreal now has a legit six defensemen who can get the job done. With Dobes re-signing, they now have a competitive goaltending duo that can get the job done also. With being $5.4 million over the cap they will have to make a move or two to get cap compliant.
However, this team showed last season that they can surprise with the roster and talent they have. They could once again make the playoffs and make it a bit farther beacuse they have done this playoff thing before and know what to expect.