Canadiens Will Face a Tough Blue Line Decision When Dobson Returns

The Montreal Canadiens are in a position not many expected heading into this series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite missing one of their most important defencemen in Noah Dobson, the Habs have more than held their own through five games. After splitting the first four games of the series at 2-2, the Canadiens won a huge Game 5 on the road to take a commanding 3-2 lead. But now, with Dobson nearing a return, Martin St. Louis could be facing one of his toughest decisions of the season. Because if there’s one thing the Canadiens have proven in his absence, it’s that the current group is working.

Success Even Without Dobson

Let’s be clear, Dobson is not just another piece on this blue line. Acquired from the New York Islanders to be a cornerstone, logging heavy minutes in all situations, he plays a massive role in transition, puck movement, and special teams. Losing him at the end of the regular season could have derailed a young Canadiens team. Instead, they responded.

Montreal has not been outplayed by Tampa Bay. If anything, they’ve matched them stride for stride. The defensive structure has held, breakouts have remained clean, and the team has avoided the kind of costly mistakes that often come with reshuffled pairings. It also highlights something important; this is no longer a team reliant on one or two players to stay competitive. The system is working, and the players stepping into bigger roles are executing.

Xhekaj Playing His Best Hockey

One of the biggest stories from this stretch has been Arber Xhekaj. Often seen as a physical presence first and a developing defenceman second, Xhekaj has quietly put together some of his most effective hockey of the season.

His usage has been limited; he hasn’t cracked the 11-minute mark in any of the first five games, but his impact has been undeniable. Sitting at a plus-4, Xhekaj has been reliable in his own zone, making smart, simple plays and avoiding the kind of high-risk decisions that can cost you in the playoffs. That alone is a significant step forward in his development.

But beyond the numbers, it’s how he’s playing. He’s staying within his role, finishing his checks, clearing the crease, and bringing a physical edge that matters in a series like this. Tampa Bay added grit over the past year, and players like Xhekaj help neutralize that. He’s not trying to do too much, and that discipline is exactly what coaches look for in playoff hockey. In many ways, this is the version of Xhekaj the Canadiens have been hoping to see: controlled, effective, and dependable.

The Inevitable Decision

So what happens when Dobson is ready to return? That’s where things get complicated. Because realistically, there are no obvious candidates to come out of the lineup. Lane Hutson isn’t going anywhere; his offensive production and puck-moving ability are critical. Kaiden Guhle has been a steady presence. Mike Matheson continues to log big minutes and drive play. Alexandre Carrier brings reliability and experience. And then there’s Jayden Struble, who, much like Xhekaj, has been quietly effective in his role.

On paper, Xhekaj might seem like the easiest choice. Lower minutes, more situational usage, it’s the logical move. But hockey isn’t always that simple, especially in the playoffs. This is a physical series. Every inch is contested, every battle matters. And Xhekaj brings something unique to this group. His presence alone can change the tone of a game. He makes opponents think twice, he protects teammates, and he thrives in the kind of gritty environment that playoff hockey demands.

Struble, on the other hand, offers a different kind of reliability: more mobility, strong positioning, and fewer penalties. Choosing between the two isn’t just about who’s been better; it’s about what the team needs most in a given matchup. That’s what makes this decision so difficult. There’s no clear wrong answer, but there’s no easy right one either.

St. Louis could rotate defencemen depending on the situation. He could lean into physicality and keep Xhekaj in. Or he could prioritize puck movement and consistency and go with Struble. What’s certain is that someone deserving will be coming out of the lineup. And honestly, that’s a good problem to have.