Habs Notes: Dobeš Impresses, Montembeault Reacts, and Dauphin Dominates the AHL
The Montreal Canadiens may be in the thick of a transitional season, but there’s no shortage of compelling storylines surrounding the team-on and off the ice.
Let’s start with Jakub Dobeš, a young goaltender whose competitive edge is turning heads in the locker room. Teammates have taken notice of his fire and intensity, and it’s clear he’s not just going through the motions.
Dobeš is battling in every drill and showing the kind of edge that coaches love to see in a developing netminder. It’s still early in his journey, but the foundation he’s building-through work ethic and presence-hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Speaking of goaltending, there’s been a shakeup behind the scenes. Marco Marciano, the new goalie coach, brings a fresh perspective to the crease.
His coaching roots trace back to Cape Breton, but he’s now tasked with helping shepherd the Canadiens’ goaltending group through a pivotal stretch. That transition hasn’t come without emotion-Samuel Montembeault was reportedly stunned by the firing of Eric Raymond, the man who previously held the role.
That kind of reaction speaks to the bond between players and coaches, and how sudden changes can ripple through the room.
While the NHL squad continues to search for consistency, there’s a bright light shining down in the AHL. Laurent Dauphin is absolutely torching the league right now, sitting atop the scoring charts.
It’s been a strong campaign for the veteran forward, who’s making a strong case to earn another look at the NHL level. His production isn’t just about numbers-it’s about the way he’s driving play and leading by example.
There’s also some chatter about a potential goaltending target in Jesper Wallstedt. It’s unclear how serious the Canadiens’ interest might be, but the idea of adding a high-end goalie prospect to the pipeline is certainly intriguing. Wallstedt has the pedigree, and Montreal’s front office has shown a willingness to explore creative ways to build for the future.
Meanwhile, Zachary Bolduc is adding another layer to his game. Known primarily for his offensive upside, Bolduc is starting to assert himself physically-something that could help him carve out a more well-rounded role. That kind of evolution is key for young players trying to make the jump to the next level.
A bit of nostalgia hit the Bell Centre recently, as fans were reminded of the last time the Canadiens hosted a team wearing the iconic Quebec Nordiques jerseys. That game?
April 5, 1995. For most of the current roster, those days are just history lessons.
Few players have any personal memory of the old Nordiques-Habs rivalry, but the echoes of that fierce provincial battle still resonate with fans.
Elsewhere, the life of a Canadiens practice goaltender is getting some attention. It’s a role that doesn’t often get the spotlight, but it’s a crucial one-helping keep the team sharp while flying under the radar. It’s a grind, but one that plays a key part in the day-to-day rhythm of an NHL team.
As for Patrik Laine, head coach Martin St-Louis isn’t in any rush to make a decision. Whether it’s about deployment, fit, or something else entirely, St-Louis is taking a patient approach. And given how carefully the Canadiens are managing their roster development, that patience might pay off.
Around the League: Kane Makes History, Stadium Series Returns, and Leafs Face Big Questions
Patrick Kane continues to add to his legacy, setting the record for the most career points by an American-born player. It’s another milestone in a Hall of Fame career, and a reminder of just how dominant he’s been over the years.
Looking ahead, the NHL’s outdoor game calendar just got a big addition: the Dallas Stars will host the Vegas Golden Knights at Cowboys Stadium in 2027. That’s going to be a spectacle-hockey under the Texas sky in one of football’s most iconic venues.
As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the trade deadline is looming, and there’s a growing sense they might need to sell. But before they start making moves, there are bigger structural questions to answer.
One notable detail: the Leafs are one of the few NHL teams without a performance director overseeing player optimization. In today’s game, where every edge matters, that’s a surprising gap for a franchise with championship aspirations.
Elsewhere, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to miss a week with a lower-body injury. It’s a tough blow for a team trying to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference race.
And finally, league-wide trade activity is heating up. A look at seven early-season deals shows mixed results so far-some players are thriving in new homes, while others are still finding their footing.
One name generating buzz is Artemi Panarin. If he were to be moved, the impact on his new team could be massive.
His offensive toolkit is elite, and he has the kind of game-breaking ability that could tilt a playoff series.
Back in Montreal, the focus remains on development and consistency. With young talent emerging and veterans stepping up, the Canadiens are quietly laying the groundwork for what comes next.