Montreal Canadiens Lock Up Goaltender Jakub Dobes with Three-Year Extension

General manager Kent Hughes announced that goaltender Jakub Dobes has agreed to a three-year contract extension covering the 2027-28, 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons. The deal carries an average annual value of $5,357,575, for a total commitment of just over $16 million. The extension begins after Dobes’ current one-year, $965,000 cap-hit contract expires.

Montreal Gazette

In the 2025-26 regular season Dobes appeared in 43 games, posting a 29-10-4 record, a 2.78 goals-against average (GAA) and a .901 save percentage. He led all rookie goaltenders in wins and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. In the playoffs he started all 19 games, recording a 2.66 GAA, a .908 save percentage and nine victories, including a .956 save percentage in Game 7 wins over Tampa Bay and Buffalo. He finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting.

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The Canadiens promoted Marco Marciano to goalie coach on Jan. 28, replacing Eric Raymond. After the change Dobes posted a 13-5-1 record with a 2.57 GAA and a .914 save percentage in 19 regular-season games, a performance Dobes credited to the new coaching. The shift solidified his status as the unchallenged starter, moving Sam Montembeault to the third-goaltender role.

Montreal Gazette

Dobes’ extension joins a series of long-term deals that lock up Montreal’s young core: forward Ivan Demidov (8-year, $73.2 M), captain Nick Suzuki (through 2029-30), defenseman Lane Hutson (through 2033-34), defensemen Noah Dobson and Juraj Slafkovsky (through 2032-33), forwards Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson (through 2030-31). The nine players under contract through 2030 represent a total cap hit of $67.73 million, indicating a deliberate strategy to maintain roster continuity.

Canadiens sign goalie Jakub Dobes to three-year extension

The Canadiens’ press release quoted GM Hughes as emphasizing the need to “secure the goaltending cornerstone while the team’s core remains together.” Team communications highlighted Dobes’ “consistent performance in high-pressure situations” and framed the extension as “a key piece of the organization’s long-term competitive plan.” The announcement also noted that the deal was finalized a day after Demidov’s extension.

Montreal Gazette

Analysts cited the inherent volatility of the goaltending position as a risk factor. One commentary pointed out Dobes’ limited track record, noting that while his contract is a bargain compared with veteran Sergei Bobrovsky’s $7 million cap hit, the lack of multi-year performance data could expose Montreal to future uncertainty.

Campbellton Tribune

• “I feel like we have a good group.” — Jakub Dobes, Goaltender

Montreal Gazette

• “I cannot really get satisfied. I don’t feel like the money is too important to me. I’m just happy I can focus on hockey and have a clear mind and try to win a championship with Montreal.” — Jakub Dobes

New York Times

• “I’m just excited that everyone is on the same page and we want to do what’s best for us and we think as a group,” — Jakub Dobes

Montreal Gazette

• “With Marco coming in it definitely made me a way better goalie and I feel like I’m excited for next year,” — Jakub Dobes

Montreal Gazette

• “End of the day, I feel like everyone wants to win, which is really important to get the deals done and keep the guys together.” — Jakub Dobes

Montreal Gazette

• “My mentality is to focus on winning, and I feel like this is the perfect contract, perfect place, everything,” — Jakub Dobes

New York Times

All sources agree on the contract’s length, start date and financial terms; no contradictory figures were identified. Information about Sam Montembeault’s future remains speculative, with several outlets suggesting a possible trade but offering no definitive confirmation.

Montreal Gazette

The Canadiens must still negotiate restricted-free agents Arber Xhekaj, Kirby Dach and Zachary Bolduc, and address roster needs at second-line centre and scoring winger. Securing Dobes and Demidov early provides salary-cap flexibility for these upcoming moves, while the status of Montembeault and the development of prospect Jacob Fowler will shape the team’s goaltending depth heading into the next season.

Montreal Canadiens Ink Jakub Dobes to New Deal