The Canadiens’ goaltending picture could get complicated fast if Connor McDavid ever becomes available, and one name is suddenly sitting right in the middle of that conversation: Jakub Dobes.
According to Renaud Lavoie, Montreal would not be eager to move Jacob Fowler, even in a blockbuster pursuit of McDavid. Dobes, though, is viewed as the more realistic piece if Edmonton were to demand an established goalie in return.
McDavid would reportedly be open to joining the Canadiens if he ever decided to leave Edmonton, though there is no sign that he is looking to move. Still, as the reporting makes clear, a player of that caliber changes the conversation immediately. “You simply don't turn down a player like McDavid, even at a massive price!”
Dobes, 25, has posted a .856 save percentage this season and has played more games for Montreal than any other goaltender on the roster. Drafted by Marc Bergevin, he’s been in the crease more than the others, but he’s also the one who looks most movable in a major deal.
Fowler remains the prized name. Dans Les Coulisses reported that Canadiens management drafted him with the belief that he would play a major role in the team’s future plans, which is why he appears to be off limits in any discussion involving McDavid.
The Oilers’ own goaltending situation helps explain why Montreal’s netminders are part of the story at all. Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry have struggled badly again this season, and Edmonton would likely want a proven option included if it ever entertained a McDavid trade.
Samuel Montembeault would be the simplest goalie for Montreal to move, but his situation makes that unlikely. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent in less than a year, is currently injured, and will remain out until at least October 10. His trade value also isn’t especially strong.
Dobes, by contrast, carries an affordable contract and a no-trade clause that does not kick in until 2028. He has no trade protection before July 1, 2028, which gives Montreal flexibility if a huge opportunity ever lands on its doorstep.
And if a McDavid trade were ever to happen, it would be next summer anyway, leaving the Canadiens time to keep evaluating Fowler before making any kind of final call.
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Canadiens Face A Tough Arber Xhekaj Decision Again
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The timing only adds to the pressure. Montreal has already had to deal with defensive issues early, and Xhekajs modest cap hit makes him the kind of piece other teams can fit into their plans more easily than the Canadiens can fit him into theirs. Philadelphias interest may or may not still be alive, but the fact that it surfaced at all suggests this is the sort of decision Montreal may have to revisit again before long. [Read more 🡒]
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Reports have indicated that the list of destinations he would consider has grown, with Montreal still in the conversation along with a handful of other major markets. Los Angeles and Boston have also been mentioned among the clubs in the mix, which only underscores how competitive this chase could become if Detroit keeps listening. For Montreal, the appeal is obvious, but the real obstacle is still getting onto the right side of Larkins own list. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Goaltending Pressure Grows After Stunning Hellebuyck Trade Rumor
A reported trade framework involving Connor Hellebuyck has added another layer to the NHL goaltending conversation, and it is the kind of rumor that can linger because of the names and draft capital involved. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers were said to have put forward the 9th and 25th overall picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with a roster player, in an effort to pry the Winnipeg Jets star netminder loose.
Florida has since settled into a more stable crease with Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid, but the ripple effects of the report still matter around the league, including for teams like the Canadiens watching the market closely. The Jets, meanwhile, remain without a clear resolution in net, and Friedman said the offer was still on the table as of June, which only keeps the discussion alive a little longer. [Read more 🡒]