yardbarker
Jakub Dobes is not off to the start he had hoped for with the Montreal Canadiens this season. The goaltender, who was outstanding during the final months of the 2025-26 campaign, has struggled in net for his team this year.
His 3-2-2 record is respectable, but his 4.04 goals-against average and .847 save percentage are far from impressive. The situation looks even worse when considering how dominant Jacob Fowler has been in the same crease.
Goals saved above expected: Jacob Fowler: +13.22, Jakub Dobes: 9.02. That's a 22.24-goal gap, the largest divide between two goalies on the same NHL team.
This means that Dobes, who will still start tonight, has effectively been sidelined from the role of the team's No. 1 goaltender. Fowler has taken his spot, leading some to wonder if Dobes might be traded.
David Pagnotta, discussing the situation for Habs Magazine, mentioned that he doesn't see the Canadiens looking to trade Dobes right now. That said, he stated that he wouldn't be surprised if teams have called the Habs about him.
David Pagnotta Habs Magazine: Being asked about Jakub Dobes | I haven't heard anything on Dobes's front, but it wouldn't surprise me if teams have called or plan on calling. That being said, I don't anticipate the Canadiens wanting to part ways with Dobes right now. Unless it's an offer they simply can't refuse 11/13 #GoHabsGo #Habs #NHL
It's possible that some teams see Dobes as a goaltender whose value is currently on the decline. In their eyes, this could open a window of opportunity to acquire him and try to revive his career. But the Canadiens, clearly, aren't at that stage yet. They still believe in their young goaltender and appreciate the chemistry between Dobes and Fowler.
It's worth noting, however, that Pagnotta hasn't completely ruled out a trade involving Dobes. If it does happen, though, it will be because the Canadiens have received an offer they simply can't refuse. And that makes sense in theory, but it's doubtful that any team would be willing to pay such a price under the current circumstances. Especially since Dobes has already signed a contract extension that will pay him $5.357 million per year for three years a contract that hasn't even started yet.
That's right. Hi, Cole. Not many scouts at the Bell Centre tonight. Too bad. A name to watch.
Originally reported by yardbarker.