Jakub Dobes doesn’t know how many games he will play with the Laval Rocket this season. His coach Jean-François Houle doesn’t know anything more.

This uncertainty comes from the fact that we don’t yet know what the Montreal Canadiens will do with Cayden Primeau, the trusted man in Laval for four years. The situation will change greatly depending on whether he starts the season with the Canadians or the Rockets. When Primeau returns, Houle must juggle between his two masked men.

“If that happens we will manage it and we won’t be unhappy, having two good goalkeepers is a very good problem to have.”

“Primeau is a little older, he has experience and can help a younger man,” believes the head coach. I don’t know if Jakub can be number one now, but he’s further along in his development than I thought.”

First season

The 22-year-old goaltender will begin his first year as a professional after two seasons at Ohio State in the NCAA.

He was very busy with the Buckeyes, playing 35 or 40 games. So things could be different this year if he has to share the job with Primeau.

“I have no idea what use will be made of me. No matter if my name is said 60, 20 or 10 times, I will be happy and ready.

“I like to play and compete, that’s the type of goalkeeper I am, but if I play fewer games I will adapt, it will be a new experience.”

Good setting

Under these circumstances, the big guy at 1.90m and 90kg takes things the right way, even if we get the feeling he is very confident in his abilities.

“I’m not disappointed to be in Laval, I just want to play games, win and gain experience. I have no doubt that if I perform well I will be in the dressing room [du Canadien] A day.”

The 22-year-old Czech, who was defeated by the Canadian in the fifth round in 2020, has reason to be confident.

Coming to North America six years ago, he notably played 47 games with the Omaha Lancers in the USHL in 2020-2021. During his two seasons at Ohio State, he posted averages of 2.26 and 2.31 and a save percentage of .934 and .918.