The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Jakub Dobes to a three-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The deal keeps the 24-year-old under contract through the 2028-29 season.
Dobes' performance and potential
Dobes appeared in 12 games for the Canadiens last season, posting a 6-4-2 record with a 2.89 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. He also played 28 games with the Laval Rocket, Montreal's American Hockey League affiliate, where he recorded a 2.45 GAA and a .918 save percentage.
Selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Dobes has shown steady improvement in his development. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound netminder has impressed coaches with his size, athleticism, and composure in net.
Impact on Canadiens' goaltending depth
The extension solidifies Montreal's goaltending depth, with Dobes expected to compete for a backup role behind starter Sam Montembeault. The Canadiens also have goaltender Cayden Primeau under contract, creating a competitive situation in net.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes expressed confidence in Dobes, stating, 'Jakub has shown tremendous growth and has the potential to be a key part of our goaltending future. We're excited to have him under contract for the next three years.'
Contract details
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the contract is believed to be a two-way deal in the first year before converting to a one-way deal in the final two seasons. The extension ensures Dobes remains with the organization as he continues to develop.
Dobes expressed his excitement about the extension, saying, 'I'm grateful to the Canadiens for their trust in me. I'm looking forward to continuing to work hard and help the team win.'
