Jakub Dobeš entered training camp with modest expectations but quickly exceeded them, turning heads with his performance. Despite his impressive showing, the Canadiens were committed to Samuel Montembeault, who had firmly established his role, and Cayden Primeau, who would need to clear waivers to be assigned to Laval. With this in mind, the team encouraged Dobeš to embrace the opportunity to start regularly for the Laval Rocket, prioritizing his development and long-term growth.
When it became evident that Primeau wasn’t meeting expectations and had lost the trust of the coaching staff, Dobeš was called up to the NHL on December 27th. The timing was critical, and the following day, he found himself making his NHL debut against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.
Dobeš made an immediate statement, posting a 33-save shutout in a 4-0 victory. Skeptics were quick to temper expectations, insisting, “It’s only one game, relax.”
But then came his second start—this time against the Colorado Avalanche, who were riding an eight-game winning streak. Dobeš limited their high-powered offense, led by Nathan MacKinnon, to a single goal. The refrain shifted: “It’s only been two games…”
Next, he faced the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals. In yet another solid performance, he allowed just two goals, sparking fans and pundits to murmur, “It’s only three games…”
And earlier this week, Dobeš took on the Dallas Stars, who boasted an impressive 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games. He came out victorious once again, leaving skeptics to cling to, “It’s only been four games…”
This brings us to an interesting question: How many games must Dobeš win before fans are allowed to be excited about his potential? After all, it only took two late-season games for Lane Hutson to generate buzz among Canadiens fans.
Beyond Stats
In a previous article, we thoroughly explained why relying solely on statistics to evaluate a goaltender and their performance can be misleading. What sets Dobeš apart is not just his numbers—though his 4-0 record, 0.98 goals-against average, and .963 save percentage are remarkable, especially considering he’s faced tough competition exclusively on the road. His composure, rebound control, and ability to freeze plays have been a revelation, qualities the team hasn’t consistently seen since Carey Price was sidelined by injuries.
Dobeš exudes calmness and confidence in the crease, providing reassurance to the skaters in front of him. His puck-handling skills are an added bonus, aiding his defensemen in neutralizing opposing forecheckers.
Just no rebounds given by Dobeš and when there are, most time he directs them to areas that won’t get the #Habs in trouble. It’s night and day from what we’ve seen the past couple of years. So much easier on a team.
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2025-01-17T03:11:36.281Z
His performance has clearly caught the attention of the coaching staff. While Montembeault, coming off a solid win against Utah, could have easily started against Dallas, the Canadiens opted to give the rookie another opportunity. With back-to-back games against the Maple Leafs and Rangers looming, it’s clear the team has faith in Dobeš.
Admittedly, I wasn’t initially in favour of his call-up—not because of his talent but due to the inherent risks of promoting a young goaltender too soon. But to his credit, Dobeš has dispelled those concerns. As the saying goes, only fools never change their minds, and his play has certainly changed mine.
Of course, there will be ups and downs throughout his career, even this season. But make no mistake: Jakub Dobeš has proven that he belongs in the NHL. With his skillset and poise, he’s poised to become a reliable starter for years to come.
