Kent Hughes and Canadiens Management Key to Jakub Dobes' NHL Success Revealed
Jakub Dobes has had an incredible start to his career in the National Hockey League and with the Montreal Canadiens. We knew he was solid and promising, but I am convinced that no expert could have predicted a 0.98 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage after four full games.
Not to mention, of course, his flawless record of 4 wins and 0 losses.
However, a very important point was pointed out. And be careful, the goal here is definitely, but definitely not to take anything away from Dobes.
Even Dallas Stars Jake Oettinger said it after playing against the Canadiens:
- Jake Oettinger
The Canadiens have been playing much better recently.
A solid decision by Kent Hughes and a nice gesture towards Jakub Dobes
Some may remember, but Dobes had an exceptional training camp a few months ago in Montreal.
So much so that some were calling for him to start the season in Montreal, even if it meant reshuffling the goalie situation.
However, would Dobes be the goaltender he is today if he had played as the third-string goalie for the Canadiens during the first three months of the season, behind a defense that was struggling greatly and, honestly, horrible?
The question is worth asking.
What if sending him back to Laval actually had an even more positive impact on Jakub Dobes?
I truly believe he was recalled and brought up at the perfect time, and this situation has been expertly managed by Kent Hughes, which is why we are seeing such amazing results today.
I repeat, but this takes nothing away from Dobes' incredible achievements right now, but indeed, the Canadiens' management deserves a big thumbs up for how they developed Dobes and for how they managed the young goaltender.
