The Montreal Canadiens organization has formalized its commitment to goaltender Jakub Dobes, announcing a two-year contract extension that secures his services through the 2026-2027 season.
The agreement carries an average annual value (AAV) of $965,000, a standard figure for a player at this stage of his development arc, providing both stability for Dobes and flexibility for the Canadiens` salary cap structure.
Dobes, a 24-year-old native of the Czech Republic, was originally selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round, 136th overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. His journey through the development ranks culminated in his first significant exposure to the National Hockey League during the recently concluded season.
In his inaugural NHL campaign, Dobes appeared in 16 games for Montreal. His performance included a 7-4-3 record, a .909 save percentage, and a 2.74 goals-against average. These statistics represent a solid, if not spectacular, baseline for a rookie thrust into the demanding environment of the NHL. While goaltending metrics can fluctuate wildly, his numbers suggest he was capable of holding his own.
He also saw action in three playoff contests, recording an .891 save percentage and a 2.91 goals-against average. Playoff statistics, particularly in limited appearances, are often less indicative than regular-season numbers, but they provided valuable experience against higher-stakes competition.
Prior to his NHL debut, Dobes honed his skills primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Laval Rocket. Over 65 career AHL games, he has posted a .906 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average. These figures are remarkably consistent with his initial NHL numbers, suggesting a relatively stable performance level across different professional leagues.
The decision to sign Dobes to a two-year extension at this AAV is a strategic one for the Canadiens. It`s a low-risk investment in a player who has demonstrated he can perform at the professional level and who fits within the team`s long-term goaltending picture, whether as future depth or a potential starter down the road. It avoids arbitration risk for the next two years and keeps a homegrown prospect within the system.
For Dobes, this contract is an affirmation of his progress and provides a clear path forward. He will likely continue to compete for playing time, whether in the NHL or the AHL, with the aim of further establishing himself as a reliable professional goaltender.
Ultimately, this signing underscores the Canadiens` approach to goaltending development: draft, develop, and patiently evaluate. Jakub Dobes remains an important piece in that puzzle, and this new contract is the next step in his journey within the organization.
