Montreal Canadiens Rookie Jakub Dobes Faces Fine From Gary Bettman After Historic NHL Debut
Jakub Dobes made history with his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, and now he's been handed a fine by Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The Montreal Canadiens made the shock call over the weekend to finally waive goaltender Cayden Primeau, who has struggled for much of the early parts of the 2024/25 campaign, tallying a 4.70 GAA thus far.
In his place, the team have called up former fifth-round pick Jakub Dobes, who made his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, saving 34 shots in an incredible shutout performance as the team would go on to win 4-0.
The 23-year old looked every bit the star that we've come to see in the American Hockey League over the past few years, with his debut placing another major piece of the Canadiens core on the ice as this team continues to grow and improve.
Unfortunately, he now faces a fine from Gary Bettman and the NHL, with the Commissioner once again fining the rookie for taking his rookie lap without a helmet on, a rule that is continually reinforced in the NHL today, even with the league promoting the rookie lap as a huge moment for a young player.
The fine is only $2,500, and is almost always paid by the veterans on the team, but the fact that this still exists is one of the most ridiculous things in the NHL, especially given that every player continues to do it.
Ultimately, the Canadiens need to see more from Dobes for him to be considered a huge part of their future, but the early signs are promising, so even with the fine from Bettman, it appears he's going to get a major chance in 2024/25 to prove that he can be a solid piece for the future of the Canadiens team.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 29 | 519 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens Rookie Jakub Dobes Faces Fine From Gary Bettman After Historic NHL Debut Should the NHL continue to fine rookies for their rookie lap without a helmet? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 9.8 % |
| No | 468 | 90.2 % |
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