Canadiens sign Jakub Dobes to three-year extension: Instant analysis and reaction

Despite having one of the best goaltending prospects in the game, the Montreal Canadiens will continue to ride the hot hand. According to a team announcement, the Canadiens have signed netminder Jakub Dobes to a three-year, $16.07M ($5.357M AAV) contract.

Montreal selected Dobes with the 136th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. He wasn’t believed to be a high-level goaltending prospect, but after a pair of quality years at The Ohio State University, Dobes started to turn some heads in Montreal. Throughout his two years with the Buckeyes, Dobes managed a 42-28-5 record in 75 games with a .926 save percentage and 2.29 goals-against average.

Inspired by his performance, the Canadiens brought Dobes to the professional ranks ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. He spent the entire season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Although the Rocket gave him a heavy workload in his rookie season, Dobes handled it with grace, finishing with a 24-18-6 record in 51 games with a .906 SV% and 2.93 GAA.

Getting off to another solid start with the Rocket in 2024-25, Montreal finally gave Dobes his shot. Although he would ultimately finish the season with a .909 SV%, Dobes got off to a ridiculous start in the NHL. Through his first five games, Dobes won all of them, managing a .941 SV%. These weren’t easy wins, either. Dobes backstopped the Canadiens to mid-season wins against the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.

Coupled with some disappointing play from Sam Montembeault, Dobes took over the starter’s crease last season. The Ostrava, Czechia native again handled it well, managing a 29-10-4 record in 43 games with a .901 SV% and 2.78 GAA. Not only did he help Montreal reach the postseason, but he was selected to the All-Rookie Team and nearly became a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the Rookie of the Year, finishing fourth in voting.

Now, Dobes is the only goaltender in the organization signed beyond the 2027-28 campaign. Youngster Jacob Fowler, the top prospect alluded to earlier, will need another contract at that point once his entry-level contract expires. Still, Montreal’s commitment to Dobes likely means that Montembeault won’t last much longer with the organization.