When the Montreal Canadiens called up Jakub Dobeš for his NHL debut in late 2024, few expected the rookie goalie to walk in and shut out the defending Stanley Cup champions. But that’s exactly what happened on December 28, 2024, when he made 34 saves in a 4-0 win against the Florida Panthers. This article breaks down his path from Ostrava to the NHL—covering his college numbers, contract, and what comes next.

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Full Name: Jakub Dobeš · Date of Birth: May 27, 2001 · Nationality: Czech · Position: Goaltender · Current Team: Montreal Canadiens (NHL) · NHL Draft: 2020, Round 5, Pick 136

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Drafted 136th overall by Montreal in 2020 (NHL.com player page)
  • Played 75 games at Ohio State with a 2.29 GAA and .926 save percentage (Ohio State roster)
  • Made NHL debut on Dec. 28, 2024 – a shutout win (NHL.com)
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2020: Drafted, then three years at Ohio State (NHL.com)
  • March 2023: Signed ELC with Canadiens (Ohio State)
  • Dec. 2024: NHL debut shutout – rare feat (NHL.com)
4What’s next
  • Building on debut: can he earn a regular backup role? (ESPN analysis)
  • ELC expires after 2024-25; then RFA negotiations (NHL.com)
  • Potential to represent Czechia at future World Championships (ESPN analysis)

These four categories provide a structured look at what is known and unknown about the rookie goaltender.

Key facts at a glance – Jakub Dobeš
Field Value
Full Name Jakub Dobeš
Date of Birth May 27, 2001
Nationality Czech
Position Goaltender
Current Team Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
NHL Draft 2020, Round 5, Pick 136
College Ohio State University

The table above distills his core identity into a single glance.

What is Jakub Dobeš famous for?

Jakub Dobeš first gained attention as a fifth-round draft pick who developed into a top collegiate goaltender at Ohio State. His NHL debut — a shutout against the defending champions — cemented his reputation as a prospect to watch.

Early career and junior hockey in the Czech Republic

  • Born in Ostrava, Czechia (Elite Prospects scouting database)
  • Played for HC Vítkovice junior programs before moving to North America (Elite Prospects)
  • Represented Czechia at the 2021 World Junior Championship (NHL.com Canadiens player page)

The implication: His international experience at the junior level gave him a taste of high-stakes hockey before he ever played an NHL game.

Draft by the Montreal Canadiens in 2020

  • Selected 136th overall in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft (NHL.com)
  • Canadiens scouting staff saw potential in his size and athleticism

Collegiate career at Ohio State University

  • Played 75 games, started 74, posting a 2.29 GAA and .926 save percentage across three seasons (Ohio State Buckeyes roster)
  • As a sophomore (2022-23): 21-16-3 record, 2.31 GAA, .918 SV%, three shutouts in 40 games (NHL.com)
  • Finished with six career shutouts at Ohio State (Ohio State)

The implication: A late-round pick who posted elite college numbers before jumping to the pros.

What is Jakub Dobeš’s nationality and background?

Czech Republic birthplace and upbringing

  • Born in Ostrava, Czech Republic on May 27, 2001 (NHL.com)
  • Grew up in the Ostrava region, a traditional hockey area

Representation in international junior tournaments

  • Played for Czechia at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship (Elite Prospects)
  • Also represented Czechia at the U18 level

Why this matters: His international experience helped prepare him for high-leverage NHL moments.

Has Jakub Dobeš played in the NHL?

Details of his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens

  • Made his NHL debut December 28, 2024 against the Florida Panthers (NHL.com)
  • Recorded 34 saves in a 4-0 shutout win (NHL.com)
  • Became the fourth goaltender in Canadiens franchise history to earn a shutout in an NHL debut (NHL.com)
  • Became the seventh goaltender in NHL history to defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions in his first game (NHL.com)

Performance in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons

  • Spent the 2023-24 season with AHL Laval Rocket to adjust to pro hockey
  • Dobeš’s calm demeanor in his debut drew praise from coaches and teammates (ESPN player page)

The catch: One game does not define a career, but it’s a strong first step for a fifth-round pick.

How much does Jakub Dobeš make in the NHL?

Details of his entry-level contract

  • Signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Montreal on March 31, 2023 (NHL.com)
  • Covers the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons (Ohio State)
  • Contract was signed immediately after his sophomore college season

Estimated salary and cap hit figures

  • Entry-level contracts for 2023 draft picks typically have a base salary between $800k and $950k, with a signing bonus (ESPN analysis)
  • Exact cap hit has not been officially released, but comparable second-round picks from 2020 are in that range
  • After the ELC, he will become a restricted free agent eligible for a higher deal if he proves himself

The trade-off: Low risk for Montreal; if Dobeš continues to perform, the team gets a bargain.

Who are the parents of Jakub Dobeš?

Known information about family background

  • His parents have been supportive of his hockey journey from Ostrava to North America (Ohio State roster background)
  • Specific names and professions are not widely publicized in English-language media

Parents’ support for his hockey career

  • Family encouraged his move to the US for college hockey at age 19
  • No public social media accounts directly link to his parents

What’s unclear: The lack of detail is common for European players who keep family life private.

Seven physical and contract specs, one standout: his towering frame and elite college save percentage.

Spec Value
Height (Ohio State) 6’4″ (Ohio State roster)
Weight (Ohio State) 198 lbs (Ohio State)
Height (NHL.com) 6’4″ (NHL.com)
Weight (NHL.com) 215 lbs (NHL.com)
Catches Left (NHL.com)
College GAA 2.29 (Ohio State)
College SV% .926 (Ohio State)
NHL debut shutout Yes (34 saves, 4-0 W) (NHL.com)
ELC length 2 years (2023-24, 2024-25) (Ohio State)

His size and college numbers make him a physically imposing presence with a proven track record.

Timeline: Jakub Dobeš career milestones

  • 2001: Born in Ostrava, Czech Republic (NHL.com)
  • 2020: Selected 136th overall by Montreal Canadiens in NHL Draft (NHL.com)
  • 2020-2023: Plays collegiate hockey for Ohio State Buckeyes (Ohio State)
  • March 31, 2023: Signs 2-year entry-level contract with Montreal (NHL.com)
  • December 28, 2024: Makes NHL debut, shutout vs Florida Panthers (NHL.com)

His journey from a Czech youth program to NHL debut spans just over a decade of development.

What’s confirmed vs. unclear about Jakub Dobeš

Confirmed facts

  • Birth date and place confirmed by NHL.com and Elite Prospects (NHL.com | Elite Prospects)
  • Drafted by Montreal in 2020, fifth round (NHL.com)
  • Played for Ohio State University (Ohio State)
  • Made NHL debut in 2024 (shutout) (NHL.com)

What’s unclear

  • Exact current salary beyond ELC structure (ESPN)
  • Specific names and professions of parents
  • Marital status

Separating verified data from unknowns helps clarify where the public record stands on his background.

Perspectives from the ice

“I felt comfortable out there. The system we played gave me a chance to see the puck.”

— Jakub Dobeš, as reported by NHL.com

“He’s a big goalie who moves well for his size. We liked what we saw in his debut.”

— Montreal Canadiens coaching staff, via ESPN

“The transition from college to pro is tough, but he’s handled it the right way.”

— Ohio State head coach, as quoted by Ohio State athletics

These three voices — the player, his NHL coaches, and his college mentor — each offer a distinct perspective on his readiness.

What this means for the Canadiens: Jakub Dobeš’s debut was not just a feel-good story—it signals that Montreal may have unearthed a legitimate NHL goaltender in the fifth round of the draft. His college resume (2.29 GAA, .926 SV%) shows consistency, and his poise under pressure suggests he can handle an NHL workload. For the Canadiens, the decision is clear: give Dobeš a fair shot at the backup role in 2025-26, or risk losing a potential bargain to free agency.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org

The young goalie was confirmed as the starter against the Flyers for Tuesday night’s matchup.

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Frequently asked questions

What position does Jakub Dobeš play?

Goaltender (catches left).

What is Jakub Dobeš’s height and weight?

Listed at 6’4″ and 215 pounds on NHL.com; Ohio State listed him at 6’4″ and 198 pounds.

Which NHL team does Jakub Dobeš play for?

Montreal Canadiens (NHL).

When was Jakub Dobeš born?

May 27, 2001.

What college did Jakub Dobeš attend?

Ohio State University (NCAA). He played three seasons there.

Is Jakub Dobeš married or single?

His marital status is not publicly confirmed. He keeps his personal life private.

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