Jakub Dobes to start against the Florida Panthers

The Montreal Canadiens dealt with a three-goalie system before, and with Cayden Primeau struggling, there is no chance they were going to keep him around after Dobes was called up.

I think it may be a little premature to call on Dobes to start his NHL career so soon. It's not that I don't believe in his potential, I just think the Florida Panthers are a big ask. I understand that Samuel Montembeault needs the rest, but it's a big test for the rookie.

Primeau had so much time, and while it isn't official until tomorrow, Kent Hughes expressed that the former seventh-round selection in the 2017 draft would be placed on waivers. The holiday freeze lifts on December 28th, and then the transaction will be officially registered with the National Hockey League.

I agree with his comments that the way you know if a guy is ready is by how prepared he is when the opportunity presents itself. Often guys come up through the minors, and in some cases, that's where it all starts. Goalies are infamous for taking longer to develop and at 23 years old, it's a bit early for Dobes, but I think you reassess after he plays a game.

The native of Ostrava, Czechia., was a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, and he takes up lots of the net. Dobes stands 6-foot-4 and he has great lateral movement, relying on his natural traits and his athleticism. In 14 games this season with the Laval Rocket, Dobes has an impressive 9-3-1 record, following up on a solid rookie season last year.

I think it was crystal clear that the club had lost their confidence in Primeau's ability to help the team get two points. Montembeault needs to have a lighter workload if the team is going to battle for a playoff spot in the new year. I think if Dobes works out great, if not he can go back down to Laval without being claimed, and Kent looks for a free agent or cheap addition.

Pascal Vincent gives Dobes high praise

Any time you have your name mentioned in the same breath as a Stanley Cup champion and first-ballot hockey hall of fame goaltender - Marc-Andre Fleury - you're doing something right. If Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent's comments were encouraging, he also threw Connor Hellebuyck's name out there. Pretty nice to hear those comparisons from your head coach

Dobes has great vision and reaction speed, but he relies on his anticipation and athleticism to keep pucks out of the net. Naturally, he takes up a good part of the net because of his height, but his movement makes him even more difficult to beat. Dobes has a calm, composed demeanour, much like Carey Price did - his play does the talking.