A new viral clip has reignited debate around Noah Dobson’s start to the season with the Montreal Canadiens, just hours after former defenseman Gilbert Delorme delivered scathing criticism on BPM Sports radio.
The footage, captured at the end of last night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, shows Dobson visibly slowing down on his backcheck as Auston Matthews sealed the 3–2 win with an empty-net goal. The timing couldn’t be worse for Dobson, who is under pressure to justify his lucrative contract and meet the expectations of head coach Martin St-Louis.
“I did not find Dobson good, not at all! I found him nonchalant the whole darn game!” — Gilbert Delorme, BPM Sports
Delorme’s comments quickly divided fans and analysts. Some argue the clip shows a moment of fatigue after a long shift, while others insist that a player of Dobson’s caliber must show more urgency—especially in the final seconds of a tight game.
In Montreal’s high-pressure market, every shift is scrutinized, and Dobson’s perceived lack of intensity has become a flashpoint. The debate is only intensifying, with fans questioning whether the defenseman can rise to the occasion and deliver the consistency expected of him.
Tonight’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings at 7:00 p.m. offers Dobson a chance to respond—not with words, but with performance. If he wants to quiet the critics, it starts now.