Jakub Dobes is clear: he wouldn’t understand if he were traded to the Rocket

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Jakub Dobes is clear: he wouldn’t understand if he were traded to the Rocket
Credit: Getty Images

What did you think of Jakub Dobes' performance yesterday?

Once again, I found that the Canadiens' goalkeeper wasn't always well positioned in front of his net. At times, he offered his opponents too many long returns.

Still, it took a Habs comeback to beat the ugly Canucks in the end… even though the Habs took almost twice as many shots on net (41 VS 23) as their opponents.

But in the end, Jakub Dobes gave the Canadiens a win.

Looking back, Dobes (14 wins) has more wins this season than the other two goalies combined. Samuel Montembeault has eight and Jacob Fowler has four. That's an important statistic.

But even so, it's clear that right now, Jakub Dobes is the Canadiens' least trusted goaltender. Dobes has played just twice since Christmas (on January 1 in Carolina and again yesterday), and there's no longer a perfect three-man rotation.

Meanwhile, in a “what have you done for me lately” league, the other two have played quite a bit more.

  • Montembeault: December 30, January 4, January 8… and probably tonight
  • Fowler: December 28, January 3, January 7, and January 10

Obviously, since the Habs will soon be unable to afford to have three goalkeepers (when the injured return) in the NHL, the idea of sending to Laval the one who clearly doesn't have the club's confidence as much as the other two is circulating.

When asked about this after yesterday's game, Dobes was clear: he wouldn't understand why he'd be traded to the AHL, given the fact that he wins regularly.

Let's not forget that Samuel Montembeault said yes without batting an eyelid last month. However, the situation is quite different: Monty was traded with an end date. Dobes, on the other hand, would be traded indefinitely.

But given what Marco Marciano did with the Québécois, it's easy to expect the same of Dobes, who isn't the best goaltender technically speaking, should he be traded to the Rocket.

Of course, Jacob Fowler is also at risk of going down, given that he too is exempt from waivers. But as the most-used goalie since his recall, trading him to the Rocket would be… special.

Everyone is publicly juggling this data to solve the 23-player roster puzzle. Management (who has said that the ménage à trois won't last forever) and Martin St-Louis are no doubt doing it too.

But clearly, Martin St-Louis doesn't like the way the subject was brought up with his goalie.

In a press conference after yesterday's game, the coach made it clear: talking to Dobes about the possibility of being sent back to Laval just after yesterday's win didn't make the pilot very happy.

“It's not a very good question to ask after a game.” – Martin St-Louis, in defense of Jakub Dobes

Let's face it: it was the right question to ask under the circumstances. It's the topic of the day, and Dobes doesn't necessarily talk to the media every day either.

But seeing Martin St-Louis play “Papa Bear” with Dobes also makes sense. It's part of the job.

But despite the wins and all, the fact remains that Dobes' job is in jeopardy. That's true right now, and it was also true when the Canadiens called Marc-André Fleury to try to bring him out of retirement, as we heard between the pipes.

Let's see how it all turns out for Dobes.


overtime

– Absolutely.

– He would have liked more support, we agree.

– Who are your favorites?

– Of note.

– Interesting.

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