Jakub Dobes deserves the Canadiens’ backup goaltender role

The crease behind Sam Montembeault is up for grabs to start the 2025–26 season, and the decision needs to reflect the Canadiens’ long-term direction. The choice between Jakub Dobes and Kaapo Kahkonen should be Dobes, and his preseason performance made that clear.

Dobes was instrumental in the Canadiens' late-season push for the playoffs last year, and following his solid preseason play, he should not only be the clear-cut backup behind Montemneault but also be used in an increased role during the season.

Jakub Dobes has proven he is ready

Any preseason doubt about who should back up Montembeault in goal is gone. Dobes’ play settled it. No longer is he just a prospect with promise; Dobes has proven he's ready to get consistent minutes in the NHL.

Dobes didn't just have a strong training camp; he was perfect in his two preseason appearances. Dobes stopped all nine shots he faced in the second half of the Canadiens' victory over the Flyers. Even more impressive, Dobes stopped all 16 shots he faced in the Canadiens' 5-0 win over the Senators. That is not a typo; Dobes has indeed stopped every shot he has faced thus far through the preseason.

Dobes' strong preseason play follows his excellent rookie season, during which he recorded a 7-4-3 record, 2.74 GAA, .909 save percentage, and a shutout. At 24, he's tracking like someone who’s outgrown the AHL and is ready to take his next step in the NHL. These numbers show promise, so much so that he may be the perfect solution to avoid overworking Montembeault.

Last season, Montembeault played in 62 games, a number the Canadiens will likely try to avoid reaching during the new season. If Dobes continues to improve, he could be good for 35-plus games, which would be a real back-saver for Montembeault.

 Kahkonen, Dobes's competition for the backup role, only played one game at the NHL level last season, but at 29 years old, the Finnish goaltender's case is one of experience.

finishing the year with the Charlotte Checkers and leading them all the way to the Calder Cup Finals, where they fell to the Abbotsford Canucks. In the postseason, Kahkonen played his best hockey, finishing with a record of 12-6, 2.18 GAA, .906 save percentage, and one shutout. However, his play at the NHL level tells a different

Over the past few NHL seasons, he hasn’t found consistency. Kahkonen's overall NHL career numbers sit at 49-68-15 with a 3.34 GAA and .898 save percentage, and nothing in the last few years suggests an upswing. He’s no longer the up-and-coming project he was in Minnesota or San Jose; he’s become depth insurance.

Even if Kahkonen offers a higher floor on paper, his ceiling is already written. Dobes is moving up; Kahkonen is trying to hold his place.

Dobes is younger, under team control after recently being extended in July, and clearly trending upward. Giving him the backup job lets him develop at the NHL level instead of wasting time in a league he’s already outgrown behind a placeholder.

The typical knock on giving a young goalie a backup spot is pressure. But Dobes has already shown he can thrive in the NHL. His preseason shutout wasn’t just a good outing; it was a preview of what he can offer as he grows comfortable with goaltending at the NHL level.

If something goes sideways, Kahkonen is there as the safety net. All while the team awaits the development of Jacob Fowler, the highly touted goaltending prospect.

The decision with Dobes is clear

The Canadiens have a young netminder pushing the door open and a veteran who hasn’t held it lately. Dobes earned his shot. His preseason shutout against the Senators shouldn’t be treated like a nice footnote; it’s evidence that he’s already playing at the required level.

The Canadiens don’t need to overthink it. Start the season with Dobes as the backup. Let him grow in the NHL instead of wasting his strong form in Laval. Let Kahkonen be the insurance, not the plan. Any other decision would simply hinder his development, not progress it.