“He’s faltering”: Jakub Dobes would benefit from playing with the Rocket, according to Stéphane Waite

What will the Canadiens do with their three goaltenders?

Eventually, Samuel Montembeault will no longer be able to play with the Laval Rocket, and the Canadiens will have to decide what to do to give everyone some playing time.

And we all agree that a ménage à trois is not the ideal solution.

Interestingly, according to Eric Engels, we can expect to see Jacob Fowler head for the AHL in the short term. That wouldn't preclude a return, of course.

Remember that Engels correctly predicted the identity of the five-game starter before the holidays… even before the Habs announced that Monty would be playing games in Laval.

What will happen when Samuel Montembeault's conditioning stint with the Rocket comes to an end? @EricEngels: “I think Fowler will be returned to Laval, but he could be back up here really quick.”#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/c9fUXLuawM

– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) December 23, 2025

But what if Fowler whitewashes the Bruins, for example? Sending him down wouldn't make sense.

We know the Canadiens don't like to submit players to waivers, and I'd be surprised if they took a chance on Montembeault. What's more, betting on just two rookies without a safety net is a risk.

What about Jakub Dobes?

In reality, Dobes has been in the National League for a year. He has his moments, but there are also times when he doesn't look as good in front of the net.

Could the Habs send him back down, since he's not eligible for waivers?

According to Stéphane Waite, who discussed the subject with Mario Langlois on 98.5 Sports, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Why not? Because the goalie is shaky, leaves loose pucks, is off balance, and out of control.

Montreal Canadiens | “It wouldn't hurt for Dobes to do a short stint in Laval ” https://t.co/vfeR69Zd1A

– 98.5 Sports (@985Sports) December 23, 2025

But Waite still said that the ideal plan is for Monty and Dobes to roll up top so that Flower Fowler can have time to dominate with the Rocket.

It's not all that simple. And we'll see what the club decides to do.

extension

On the other hand, we shouldn't burn Fowler's confidence either. He's doing well at the moment and we'll have to keep him in a good frame of mind.

José Théodore, for his part, would play Fowler if the Canadiens had a big playoff game tomorrow…