Canadiens Prospect Jakub Dobes Signs Entry-Level Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced they have come to terms with prospect Jakub Dobes on a two-year entry-level contract.

Dobes, 21, only signed a two-year contract because he will turn 22 before September 15th, which means for contract purposes, he is considered a year older.

The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract (2023-24 to 2024-25) with goaltender Jakub Dobes.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/DAOf0N2kyn

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 31, 2023

Dobes was easily one of Ohio States’ best players, as evidenced by his 21-16-3 record, not to mention his 0.918 save percentage and 2.31 goals-against average. He also pitched three shutouts this season. He was the driving force behind Ohio’s top 10 ranking throughout the season.

The Buckeyes stunned Sean Farrell and the Harvard Crimson in the NCAA playoffs with a lopsided 8-1 win but were quickly dispatched from the tournament when they lost 4-1 to Quinnipiac, one of the best teams in the country.

Montreal Canadiens goalie prospect Jakub Dobes with a huge stick save on Quinnipiac's first shot of the third period. pic.twitter.com/mykfzPFzpe

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) March 26, 2023

Dobes has a fantastic wingspan, the type of frame goaltending scouts dream about prior to the Draft. His agility is above average for his size, and he epitomizes a calming presence in the crease.

He rarely expends more energy than required and has shown the ability to be dominant in the NCAA for extended periods.

He’s also the type of young player that will do everything in his power to win. Think Kaiden Guhle, but with a little more equipment. His thirst for success served him well in the NCAA, where he was Ohio States’ most-valuable player in 2022, not to mention a semi-finalist for the Mike Richter award, given to the nation’s top collegiate goaltender.

Seeing as Dobes signed his entry-level contract after the trade deadline, and cannot be ‘papered’ to the AHL via the NHL, he also signed a contract with the Laval Rocket, which will allow him to make his professional debut for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate.

The Rocket are currently in the midst of a very tight playoff race, and a goaltender like Dobes very well may be the difference between a long playoff run and a quick trip to the local golf courses.

Two-year, entry-level contract for Jakub Dobes
The 21-year-old netminder also agreed to a contract allowing him to finish this season with the Laval Rocket. https://t.co/LzSHQ4Maj4

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 31, 2023