It is only a matter of time before the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens battle one another one last time this postseason. The series has kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout, and while predicting who will have the last laugh has been difficult, the answer is just around the corner.
Ahead of their showdown against the Lightning, the Habs have received a critical update on Noah Dobson that could be decisive in how things turn out in Game 7.
Canadiens Star Noah Dobson Expected to Return vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Dobson’s injury was bad news for the Canadiens. Not only was the 26-year-old one of the only two right-shot defensemen on the Habs, but he also sits second behind Lane Hutson among team defensemen in points scored in the 2025-26 regular season.
The blueliner last suited up against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 11, during which he suffered an injury trying to block a shot in the second period. The Habs lost the game against, but Dobson’s injury was a far greater concern given the team’s alarmingly thin defense on the right side.
Fortunately, Dobson is expected to make a comeback in Game 7. The blueliner is not completely healthy yet, but with everything to play for, the Canadian D-man is willing to give it his all to see Montreal through to the semifinals.
“I can confirm this info. Noah Dobson should be in the lineup for game #7 tomorrow, which is 3 weeks after his thumb surgery that I reported to you exclusively. This surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks to heal completely. I’m told he’s really not at 100% but it’s a do-or-die game and he’s insisting on playing,” Marco Normandin shared on X.
Dobson will take the ice for pre-game warmups, with St. Louis officially terming him a game-time decision.
While the Canadiens have managed all right without Dobson against the Bolts, his return to the lineup is undoubtedly a huge boost to Montreal’s spirits. After all, he is one of their most valued players, a certified game changer, and an underrated defenseman whose presence on the ice could significantly bolster Montreal’s odds against Tampa.
Dobson has also logged significant time on the ice this regular season, ranking third on the team in minutes on ice per game (22:29). Since his injury, the Canadiens have realized the importance of adding a reliable right-shot defenseman.
This offseason, the Habs are expected to act promptly to fix that glaring roster hole. From Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers to Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights, Hughes will need to cast a wide net in his search for an elite right-shot defenseman.
For now, the Canadiens’ biggest challenge lies in coming out of Game 7 unscathed. Having Dobson on their team tilts the scales slightly in Montreal’s favor.
