The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for the 2026-27 season, and there are several key questions that need to be answered. Firstly, can Jakub Dobes be a reliable No. 1 goalie for the entire season? Dobes had a stellar performance last season, stepping up as the backup to Sam Montembeault and guiding the team into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His impressive .908 save percentage in the postseason, coupled with a new three-year contract, suggests the team has high hopes for him. However, Dobes remains grounded, acknowledging the competition for playing time with Montembeault and Jacob Fowler. He understands that his contract doesn't guarantee starts, and he's determined to prove himself daily.
Secondly, the team's health concerns revolve around Kirby Dach. Dach's injury history, including a broken foot and an upper-body injury, has limited his playing time in recent seasons. The mental grind of dealing with injuries has been challenging, but Dach maintains a positive attitude. He was a key contributor during the playoffs, and his focus is on staying healthy and contributing consistently. The question remains whether he can stay injury-free for an entire season.
Lastly, the Canadiens must decide on their second-line center. Nick Suzuki had a remarkable 100-point season, forming a dynamic No. 1 line with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. However, the team's depth at center is questionable. Dach's injury history makes him a risky choice, while Oliver Kapanen's performance dipped in the latter part of the season. Jake Evans, who filled in during the playoffs, is better suited for a checking role. The team will need to rely on internal improvement from players like Dach, Kapanen, Evans, or perhaps a promising prospect like Owen Beck, who showed potential in the AHL.
