The Montreal Canadiens will begin their Stanley Cup playoff journey with a significant void on their defense. Noah Dobson sustained an upper-body injury during Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The team announced the news on Sunday, confirming that Dobson would miss at least the beginning of the postseason.
Dobson, a key player for the Canadiens, was injured after blocking a shot in the second period of Saturday's game. While the Canadiens haven't released specifics about the injury, it is serious enough to sideline him for a significant period. "It sucks, we're worried about him for sure and he's such a big part of our team," teammate Lane Hutson said following the game.
In response to Dobson's injury and with Alex Carrier also sidelined, the Canadiens have recalled David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket. Reinbacher, the fifth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has 24 points in 57 games with the Rocket this season. His NHL debut comes at a critical time, as the Canadiens aim to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Dobson's absence is a considerable setback for Montreal. In his first season with the Canadiens, the 26-year-old recorded 47 points in 80 games. The Canadiens will need to find a way to compensate for his loss as they enter the playoffs.
