Not the news you want going into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Montreal Canadiens will be without one of their top defencemen. Today it is announced that Noah Dobson has an upper-body injury, and is out for at least two weeks. This likely keeps him out for at least the first couple games of the first round of the playoffs, if not longer, so let’s discuss.
Canadiens Defenceman Noah Dobson has an Upper-Body Injury
Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire
Last night in the 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Canadiens sustained another loss. Dobson took a puck off the hand, and today we hear the news Hab fans had feared. Today, we hear the news that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks time. With the playoffs set to start next weekend, it seems he will miss the first week of post-season action.
#GoHabsGo say Noah Dobson will be re-evaluated in two weeks after sustaining an upper-body injury – which at the very least will keep him out of the lineup for the first half of Round 1.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 12, 2026
Dobson has been quietly one of the most underrated off-season additions, probably in the whole Eastern Conference. With Montreal adding the blueliner from the New York Islanders last summer, he really added an element of talent to the Canadiens backend. Moreover, he’s not flashy, but his 47 points give him the second most points from a Montreal defenceman this season. Lane Hutson leads the way with 76, in case you were wwondering. Furthermore, Dobson has the third highest average ice time on the club at 22:29. It’s not hard to see how much the smooth skating defender will be missed.
What Will Montreal Do?
In his absence, the club has called up NHL prospect David Reinbacher from the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Reinbacher is yet to make his NHL debut, but has earned his stripes on the farm. Moreover, in his first full AHL season this year, he is up to 24 points in 57 games. If the 21-year-old does get into some games here now, he will be eager to prove that he is ready. He has had a tough time with injuries throughout his development, and this is the ultimate chance to put that in the rearview.
Of course, the Montreal organization hopes Dobson returns quickly. Losing him on the blueline, could prove fatal, in the intensity that is playoff hockey.
Alexandre Carrier also remains out on the blueline. However, he may not be out much longer. That is the reason Adam Engstrom has been up with the club. So right now, the Habs don’t have many extras at the NHL level. Depending what happens, Reinbacher could very well see NHL action in the coming days.
Main Photo: James Guillory-Imagn Images
