One day after locking in Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Jakub Dobeš to a three-year contract extension.
The contract starts in the 2027-28 season, as Dobeš has one year remaining on his current two-year contract. The new contract has a cap hit of $5,357,575 until after the 2029-30 season at which point he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Dobeš took over the starting job in Montreal last season, and led the team to the Eastern Conference final. He had a 29-10-4 record in the regular season with a 2.78 goals against average and .901 save percentage. He was 9-10 in the playoffs with a 2.66 goals against average and .908 save percentage.
The 25-year-old will now be expected to lead the way going forward, as the team’s first choice goaltender, likely splitting time with Jacob Fowler or Samuel Montembeault. Dobeš has earned the vote of confidence and has put his name in the conversation to be part of the team’s future – and present – core.
The team re-signed Kaapo Kähkönen yesterday, and the Laval Rocket signed three goaltenders, indicating they might not expect Fowler to be back in the American Hockey League.
This does not affect the team’s cap space entering next season.
