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Canadiens Defenseman May Be Snubbed From Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics, Per Analyst

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 8:39 PM ET

New Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson, who was acquired earlier this summer, could be snubbed from Canada's roster in the 2026 Milan Olympics.

Canada will want to avenge their stunning loss to Denmark in the recent 2025 IIHF World Championships, and they've invited 42 players to their orientation camp in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, which will feature the return of NHL players to the Olympics for the 1st time in over a decade.

Canadiens analyst Stu Cowan recently said that while new Montreal defenseman Noah Dobson may have been invited to Canada's orientation camp, it doesn't mean that he's guaranteed to make the final roster.

And Dobson getting invited. I mean, the invite 42 guys are gonna have to have some scrimmages right before that, you have two teams. But for Dobs, that's a good sign that the team and Canada scouts officials think highly enough of him to invite him to that camp.

I don't know if there's a spot on the blue line for him, when you look at what they had at the 4 Nations, but a confidence boost getting invited there and a great experience for him going.

Canada's orientation camp is scheduled for late August and will take place in Calgary.

Noah Dobson was acquired from the Islanders by the Canadiens this summer

Dobson was acquired by the Canadiens and then signed an 8 year, $76 million contract with an AAV(average annual value) of $9.5 million.

As Dobson would say, it's an honor for him to join a historic Original 6 team.

Just the opportunity to be part of the Montreal Canadiens, it's an honor. It's the best hockey market in the world. The fans are incredible. I love playing at the Bell Centre, and just also the group of players they have already and the talent they have on that team and what they've been building. I'm just super excited to join that group and add to it, and excited about what we can do down the road here in the future.

Dobson has 230 points (50G, 180A) in 388 career NHL games.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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