🥅 Locked and Loaded: Jakub Dobeš Re-Signs with the Canadiens for Two More Years…read more…
Montreal, July 8, 2025 – The goaltending crease in Montreal just got a little more secure — and a lot more interesting. The Canadiens have officially re-signed promising netminder Jakub Dobeš to a two-year contract extension worth approximately $965,000 per season. With this move, the Habs have signaled continued confidence in their young goaltending depth while ensuring competition stays fierce in net for the seasons ahead.
In a summer buzzing with rumors, potential trades, and free agent targets, this deal may not be the flashiest headline — but it’s a strategically vital move for the Canadiens as they continue building a future-ready roster.
🧤 Who Is Jakub Dobeš?
For those less familiar, Jakub Dobeš, a 6’5″ Czech-born goaltender, was drafted by the Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft (pick 136 overall). After impressing in the NCAA with Ohio State, Dobeš signed his first professional deal and joined the AHL’s Laval Rocket, where he showcased flashes of brilliance despite playing behind a developing defense.
In 2024–25, Dobeš stepped up when called upon, appearing in relief roles and earning praise for his poise, positioning, and rebound control. Although he wasn’t the everyday starter, his potential was clear — and the Canadiens wasted no time in ensuring he stays in the organization.
đź“ť The Deal: Low Risk, High Ceiling
The two-year, one-way contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $965,000, making it an extremely cap-friendly deal in today’s NHL economy. For GM Kent Hughes, this deal is a win-win:
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It provides roster flexibility.
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It solidifies depth in the goaltending department.
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It gives Dobeš more runway to either push for a full-time NHL backup spot or serve as a reliable call-up option from Laval.
For the Canadiens — a team eyeing postseason contention while nurturing its youth — such a deal aligns perfectly with their development-first model. It also helps balance the books amid larger contracts like those of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and recently acquired Noah Dobson.
🚨 The Bigger Goalie Picture in Montreal
With this re-signing, Montreal now has a competitive trio between the pipes:
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Samuel Montembeault, who had a career-best season in 2024–25 and is currently penciled in as the No. 1.
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Kaapo Kähkönen, signed this offseason for depth and insurance.
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Jakub Dobeš, developing into a potential long-term piece.
The Canadiens’ front office has made it clear: no one is handed the net — it must be earned. This trio allows the Habs to rotate, manage injuries, and rest players strategically, all while grooming the next generation of puck-stoppers.
🎙️ What the Experts Are Saying
🏒 “Jakub Dobeš has all the tools to become a full-time NHL goaltender. He’s calm, calculated, and consistent. This is a smart move by Montreal, and fans should be excited to watch his progression over the next two years.”
— Martin Biron, NHL Analyst and former goaltender
đź“Š “His AHL numbers don’t scream elite just yet, but his style of play and physical maturity are NHL-ready. With more exposure, Dobeš could be a strong backup — or more — within a season.”
— Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
💬 Dobeš Reacts
Speaking to reporters via Zoom from Prague, Dobeš expressed his excitement about the extension:
“Montreal has always believed in me, and I’m grateful to have two more years to prove myself. Laval has been great, but I’m working every day to be in the NHL full-time. I want to win in Montreal — that’s the dream.”
His words echo the mentality that fans have come to appreciate: humility, hunger, and hard work.
đź”® What This Means Going Forward
The Canadiens are clearly not done shaping their roster, with names like Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jordan Kyrou still being linked in trade talks. But by locking down key depth like Dobeš, the club ensures that the foundational blocks are stable. Even if trades happen or injuries strike, there’s a dependable presence in goal.
And let’s not forget — Dobeš is only 24 years old. His ceiling is still largely undefined, which makes this two-year investment a calculated bet with potential upside.
đź“Ś Final Thoughts: Depth Wins Championships
The NHL is a war of attrition. Rarely does a team go deep into the playoffs without tapping into its depth — especially in the crease. Whether Dobeš ends up playing 5 games or 25 this coming season, the Canadiens have ensured they have an NHL-caliber goalie waiting in the wings.
In the same summer where flashy trades and big-name rumors dominate headlines, it’s signings like this — quiet, smart, forward-looking — that can define a team’s trajectory.
So here’s to Jakub Dobeš — the quiet warrior in net who’s ready to make some noise in Montreal.
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