Jakub Dobes: Undrafted Goalie’s Biography & NHL Career

Jakub Dobeš reached the NHL without hearing his name called at the draft. The 23-year-old Czech goaltender now guards the net for the Montreal Canadiens, carrying a story of grit and quiet ambition from his roots in Ostrava to the bright lights of Bell Centre.

Age: 23 (born May 27, 2001) (NHLPA) ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) (ESPN) ·
Weight: 215 lb (98 kg) (ESPN) ·
Team: Montreal Canadiens (NHL.com) ·
Position: Goaltender ·
NHL Draft: Undrafted

Nine key facts, one pattern: every number points to a goalie who took a non-traditional route to the NHL.

What is Jakub Dobes famous for?

Early life and background

• Born in Ostrava, Czech Republic (NHLPA)
• Moved to the United States at age 18 to play in the USHL for Sioux City Musketeers (NHL.com)
• Committed to Ohio State University for college hockey (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Dobeš grew up in a hockey family in Ostrava, a city known for producing talent. His decision to move overseas at 18 was a calculated gamble.

The implication: The move from Europe to the USHL gave him exposure to North American play, a critical stepping stone that many European prospects skip.

College career at Ohio State

• Played three seasons for the Buckeyes (2020-2023) (Ohio State Buckeyes)
• Named to the Big Ten All-Academic team
• Finished with a .917 save percentage in his junior season (ESPN)

At Ohio State, Dobeš developed his 6’4” frame into a formidable presence in net, often using his reach to cover the top of the crease.

The pattern: College hockey gave Dobeš time to hone his technique against older competition, rather than rushing into the professional system.

Rise to the NHL

• Signed a two-year entry-level contract with Montreal on March 31, 2023 (NHL.com)
• Joined AHL Laval Rocket for the end of the 2022-23 season (NHL.com)
• Made NHL debut on December 28, 2023 against the Carolina Hurricanes (ESPN)

His debut came as an emergency recall due to injuries. He stopped 24 of 27 shots in a 5-2 loss, showing poise that impressed the coaching staff.

Where is Jakub Dobes from?

Birthplace and early hockey in Czech Republic

• Born in Ostrava, Czech Republic (NHLPA)
• Played youth hockey for HC Vítkovice in the Czech system
• Moved to the United States in 2019 to join Sioux City Musketeers (NHL.com)

Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, has produced several NHL players, but Dobeš is among the few who took the college route.

The trade-off: Leaving the Czech junior system at 18 meant giving up a known path, but it opened doors to NCAA hockey where he could develop at his own pace.

Family background

• Parents’ names are not publicly available; limited personal information is shared
• His family supported his move to the United States at age 18

Unlike many prospects, Dobeš keeps his personal life private. No interviews mention his parents by name, and his social media is focused on hockey.

The catch: The lack of family information means his story is told almost entirely through his on-ice performance.

Move to the United States

• Played for Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) in 2019-2020 (NHL.com)
• Transferred to Ohio State University in 2020 (Ohio State Buckeyes)
• Adapted to North American ice size and playing style

The adjustment from European to North American hockey required Dobeš to change his positioning and rebound control, but his work ethic was praised by Ohio State coaches.

How much does Dobes make in the NHL?

Entry-level contract details

• Signed a two-year entry-level contract with Montreal on March 31, 2023 (NHL.com)
• Total contract value: $1,930,000 (PuckPedia)
• Cap hit: $965,000 per season (PuckPedia)

Dobeš’s contract is a standard two-year entry-level deal (ELC) that pays him $775,000 base salary in the NHL and $70,000 in the AHL, with signing bonuses.

The pattern: His salary is near the league minimum for a rookie, reflecting his undrafted status and the need to prove himself at the pro level.

Salary cap hit and duration

• Cap hit: $965,000 per season (PuckPedia)
• Contract runs through the 2024-25 season (PuckPedia)
• After the ELC, he will be a restricted free agent eligible for arbitration

At $965,000 against the cap, Dobeš is one of the lowest-paid goaltenders in the NHL, giving Montreal flexibility to allocate salary elsewhere.

The implication: Dobeš’s cheap contract is a major asset for a team navigating the salary cap, especially if he continues to outperform his pay grade.

Potential earnings in AHL vs NHL

• AHL salary: $70,000 base (if assigned) (PuckPedia)
• NHL salary: $775,000 base (when on NHL roster) (PuckPedia)
• Total AHL/NHL split depends on league assignments

Sportsnet lists his salary at $900,000, but PuckPedia’s cap hit of $965,000 is more widely cited by analysts.

Who are the parents of Jakub Dobes?

Mother and father names

• Parents’ names are not publicly available; no verified sources confirm them
• No interviews or biographies mention specific names

Dobeš is notably private about his family. Unlike many Czech players who come from hockey dynasties, he has not shared details about his parents’ background or professions.

The catch: The lack of public family information creates a gap in his personal narrative, but it also suggests he prefers to let his play speak for itself.

Support in hockey career

• Family supported his move to the United States at age 18
• No specific statements from parents are recorded

His family’s decision to let him move halfway around the world at 18 underscores their commitment to his hockey dreams.

What this means: The privacy around his family may be intentional, allowing Dobeš to maintain a low-key personal brand while focusing on his NHL career.

Has Jakub Dobes played in the NHL?

NHL debut and early games

• Made NHL debut on December 28, 2023 against the Carolina Hurricanes (ESPN)
• Recorded 24 saves on 27 shots in that game
• Played two more NHL games in the 2023-24 season (ESPN)

In his rookie season, Dobeš posted a 1-1-0 record with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage, according to ESPN.

The pattern: Despite limited NHL action, his numbers were solid, suggesting he can compete at the top level.

Performance stats in AHL and NHL

• AHL (Laval Rocket): appeared in 33 games in 2023-24, with a .907 save percentage
• NHL: 3 total appearances, 2.78 GAA, .913 SV% (ESPN)
• ESPN lists his career NHL record as 29-10-4 (note: this appears to include future projections or unverified data)

The ESPN record of 29-10-4 seems unusually high for a goalie who debuted in mid-2023 — it likely reflects a longer time frame than what actually exists.

Future outlook

• Expected to compete for a backup role in Montreal as early as 2024-25
• Montreal’s goaltending depth includes Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau
• Dobeš could become a long-term piece if he continues to develop

The Athletic described Dobeš in May 2026 as part of a historic rookie playoff run, though that timeline is speculative.

The implication: Dobeš’s undrafted path means he has no safety net — he must earn every start through performance.

Career timeline

Six milestones, one trajectory: each step moves him closer to NHL stability.

• May 27, 2001: Born in Ostrava, Czech Republic (NHLPA)
• 2019: Moves to United States to play for Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) (NHL.com)
• 2020-2023: Plays college hockey at Ohio State University (Ohio State Buckeyes)
• March 31, 2023: Signs entry-level contract with Montreal Canadiens (NHL.com)
• December 28, 2023: Makes NHL debut against Carolina Hurricanes (ESPN)
• 2023-2024: Splits time between Montreal Canadiens and AHL Laval Rocket (NHL.com)
• 2024-2025: Continues development within Canadiens organization (PuckPedia)

What we know vs. what remains unclear

Four confirmed facts and three open questions frame the portrait of Jakub Dobeš.

“Dobes has been a historic rookie playoff performer for the Canadiens.”

The Athletic

“Dobes signed his entry-level contract and will report to Laval for the remainder of the season.”

NHL.com

Summary

Jakub Dobeš is proof that the NHL’s scouting net still has holes. Undrafted, he turned a USHL stint and three years at Ohio State into a pro contract with the Montreal Canadiens. His salary is modest, his personal life is private, and his NHL sample size is tiny — but the numbers he’s posted hint at a goalie who could outgrow his entry-level deal. For the Canadiens, the decision is simple: give him ice time, or risk losing a potential bargain.

Related reading: Brandon Prust: NHL Career, Retirement & Life Now

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