Laval Rocket Rookie Eager to Return & Help Team Win

Montreal Canadiens navigating roster changes, integrating young talent

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Montreal Canadiens are focusing on integrating young talent into their roster, including rookies Oliver Kapanen, Owen Beck, and goaltender Jakub Dobes. The team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket, is also seeing roster activity, with Jared Davidson expressing enthusiasm about returning to the team. The Canadiens' preparations have been complicated by recent injuries to goaltenders Carey Montembeault and Zach Thompson.

Why it matters

The Canadiens' emphasis on developing young players reflects a broader organizational strategy of building for the future. Integrating rookies into the lineup allows the team to assess their potential contributions while providing valuable experience. This approach is common among teams undergoing rebuilding phases, as it allows for a more sustainable path to competitiveness.

The details

The Canadiens are currently assessing the contributions of rookies Oliver Kapanen and Owen Beck, while also focusing on the development of goaltender Jakub Dobes. The team's preparations have been complicated by recent injuries to goaltenders Carey Montembeault and Zach Thompson during Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. The Laval Rocket, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, is also experiencing roster activity, with Jared Davidson expressing his eagerness to return to the team.

  • On February 5, 2026, reports surfaced about the Canadiens' focus on integrating young talent into their roster.
  • During Game 3 against the Washington Capitals, both Canadiens goaltender Carey Montembeault and Capitals goaltender Zach Thompson were forced to leave the game due to undisclosed injuries.

The players

Oliver Kapanen

A rookie being evaluated by the Montreal Canadiens.

Owen Beck

A rookie being evaluated by the Montreal Canadiens.

Jakub Dobes

A rookie goaltender who recently made his professional debut with the Canadiens, expressing a range of emotions including fear, excitement, and crying at the end of the game.

Jared Davidson

A player for the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, who has expressed enthusiasm about returning to the team.

Carey Montembeault

The Canadiens' goaltender who was forced to leave Game 3 against the Washington Capitals due to an undisclosed injury.

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What they’re saying

“I was afraid, I was excited, I was emotional, I was crying at the end”

— Jakub Dobes (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The Canadiens will need to rely on their goaltending depth to navigate Montembeault's absence and ensure consistent performance between the pipes.

The takeaway

The Canadiens' focus on developing young talent, including rookies like Kapanen, Beck, and Dobes, reflects a broader organizational strategy of building for the future. This approach allows the team to assess the potential contributions of these players while providing valuable experience, which is crucial for teams undergoing a rebuilding phase.