Jakub Dobes gave Martin St-Louis another reason to smile before camp, joining two Canadiens teammates at a major community event.
Dobes, Alexandre Carrier and Jayden Struble took part in the 11th edition of the KR Classic last Saturday, representing Montreal away from the rink.
The event raised $67,000 for the Canadiens Children's Foundation, with the money directed toward programs supporting children and families in the region.
For Montreal, the appearance put three very different members of the roster together. Carrier is an established defenseman, Struble continues to push for his place, and Dobes enters camp with growing attention in the crease.
Dobes is especially interesting after working his way into the No. 1 role last season. That makes nearly everything around him more visible heading into 2026-27.
Yet this weekend wasn't about depth charts or starts. The three Canadiens were there to support an event that has become a regular part of the hockey community's summer calendar.
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The KR Classic has now reached its 11th edition, and this year's $67,000 total gives the event another tangible result before Montreal's players turn their attention fully toward training camp.
Carrier's presence also fits the responsibility that comes with becoming an important piece of Montreal's blue line. Community appearances are another way established players stay connected with the fan base.
Struble enters a different kind of season, with competition on defense expected to remain strong. Before that battle begins, he joined his teammates for a cause well removed from lineup pressure.
Dobes may face the brightest spotlight of the three once camp opens. His rise in goal has created expectations, and the Canadiens will want to see whether he can hold that position over a full season.
That can wait for the ice. Saturday offered a simpler look at the players, with fans getting time around them in an environment far different from Bell Centre game nights.
The most important number was still the money raised. $67,000 gives the Canadiens Children's Foundation more support for programs aimed directly at young people.
Montreal's season hasn't started, but Dobes, Carrier and Struble have already made one appearance that mattered. This one wasn't about points or saves. It was about what their presence could help produce for the community.
Should more Canadiens players take part in community events throughout the offseason?
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