Here are the latest updates on Jakub Dobes and Montreal Canadiens goaltending as of 2026:
Dobes has been in the mix for the Canadiens’ crease, with several outlets noting that he has taken on a more prominent role and has been praised for his consistency and growth this season. This has fed a narrative of a potential goaltending competition, especially given varying performances from Montembeault during the campaign [sources discussed in circulation in late 2025 and into 2026].
Montreal’s goaltending situation has included debate about workload and roster decisions, with Dobes receiving opportunities to start games and Montembeault continuing to be a key part of the depth chart. Analysts have highlighted the contrast in styles and the strategic implications for the team’s playoff push [articles from The Hockey News and related hockey media coverage in 2025–2026].
By spring 2026, Dobes was widely credited by some observers and pundits for helping the Canadiens reach late-round playoff series, contributing to a notable run that drew attention to his maturation and readiness for a larger role. This sentiment is echoed in several post-season discussions and recaps [NHL and hockey-media roundups in May 2026].
What this means for you:
Would you like a quick side-by-side summary of the two netminders’ 2025–2026 stat lines and recent game starts to gauge who might start next in a specific scenario (e.g., back-to-back games, playoffs)? I can pull that together and also include a short read on how the coaching staff has publicly framed the goaltending decisions.
When the Montreal Canadiens take on the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, Jakub Dobes will be in the net. Even though Samuel Montembeault was the uncontested number one last season, both goaltenders will have played the same number of games this season.
thehockeynews.comStephane Waite suggested on the airwaves earlier this week that sending Jakub Dobes down to the AHL would cause no harm. I strongly disagree that the Montreal Canadiens should even consider the idea.
thehockeynews.comThe Canadiens advanced to Round 2 Sunday night, and Sam Montembeault gave Jakub Dobes a shaving cream pie to the face on live TV.
www.markerzone.comThe Montreal Canadiens wouldn't be heading to the second round if it hadn't been for Jakub Dobes.
thehockeynews.comRookie goalie feeding off barbs from opposing fans, own adversity
www.nhl.comWhen training camp comes around this year, Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender Jakub Dobes will show up as an NHLer. Unless Kaapo Kahkonen manages to cause a big surprise, the 24-year-old should spend the year in the NHL backing up Samuel Montembeault. He took the organization by surprise last season with an electrifying start to his NHL career, and while he did eventually slow down, he’s still in pole position for the backup role.
thehockeynews.comThe Montreal Canadiens have now won two seven-game series in a row, and for fans, this spring is looking increasingly similar to 2010, when Jaroslav Halak took the Habs to the Conference Final.
thehockeynews.com