The goaltending picture for the Montreal Canadiens gained a bit more clarity today with the announcement of a two-year contract agreement with netminder Jakub Dobes. This extension confirms the club`s continued investment in a player who recently wrapped up his first significant period in professional hockey.
Dobes, a 24-year-old Czech product, was originally a fifth-round selection by Montreal in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He stepped into the NHL spotlight this past season, appearing in 16 games. His initial foray resulted in a .909 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average, leading to a 7-4-3 record. While NHL stats can sometimes be as revealing as reading tea leaves over a small sample, his performance was deemed solid enough to earn another look. He also featured in three playoff contests, recording an .891 SV% and 2.91 GAA under increased pressure – proving goalies, like fine wine or complex algorithms, often require time and varied scenarios to fully assess.
Prior to his NHL games, Dobes honed his skills in the American Hockey League with the Canadiens` affiliate. Over 65 AHL appearances, he posted a .906 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average, providing a consistent foundation at the minor league level. Stability is key, even if it`s just below the top tier.
The new pact keeps Dobes under team control for two seasons. The financial terms are straightforward: an average annual value (AAV) of $965,000, amounting to $1.93 million total. This is a standard agreement for a developing player making the jump, essentially a vote of confidence wrapped in a perfectly reasonable cap hit for potential.
By committing to Dobes for two more years, the Canadiens reinforce their depth in the crease and signal their belief in the young goalie`s trajectory. For Dobes, it`s an opportunity to solidify his place and continue his push towards becoming a more significant part of the team`s future plans – or at least ensure he`s part of the conversation.
