Noah Dobson's arrival in Montreal has been met with both excitement and apprehension, as the Canadiens faithful pin their hopes on the young defenseman to solidify their blue line. However, his pre-season debut has raised some questions and injury concerns, casting a shadow over the initial optimism.

Dobson, 25, was acquired by the Canadiens from the New York Islanders this past summer in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round draft picks. Following the trade, Montreal signed Dobson to an eight-year, $76 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player on the team. The Canadiens are banking on Dobson's offensive instincts and puck-moving abilities to bolster their defense, an area they've struggled with in recent years.

In his first pre-season game with the Canadiens against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dobson logged significant ice time, recording five shots on goal in 24:16 of play during the team's 2-1 shootout victory. While some fans were thrilled with his performance, others remained cautiously optimistic, aware that pre-season games are primarily for building chemistry and shaking off rust.

However, concerns arose during a subsequent pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dobson left the game before the third period and did not return. It was later revealed that he had suffered a groin injury and is now listed as day-to-day. Groin injuries can be particularly troublesome for hockey players, with the potential to linger and affect performance throughout the season.

Adding to the Canadiens' woes, defenseman David Reinbacher also left the game against the Maple Leafs with an injury and is currently being evaluated. Furthermore, Kaiden Guhle was held out of the same game due to a groin injury, also classified as day-to-day. The Canadiens' blue line depth is being tested early in the pre-season, with three of their top defensemen nursing injuries.

Head coach Martin St. Louis has downplayed the severity of the injuries, expressing confidence that they are not serious. However, the timing is less than ideal, as the Canadiens are looking to integrate Dobson into their system and build chemistry among their defensive pairings. A prolonged absence for Dobson could disrupt those plans and force the team to rely on less experienced players.

Some analysts have already begun to question whether Dobson can live up to the high expectations that come with his lucrative contract. Pierre McGuire, speaking on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, alluded to the Islanders' reluctance to extend Dobson at his current salary. McGuire's comments add fuel to the scrutiny surrounding Dobson's compete level and defensive play, even though it is still early in the pre-season.

Marco D'Amico of RG argues that it is too early to make definitive judgments about Dobson's performance. He suggests that Dobson simply needs time to settle in and that his offensive and transitional qualities are evident. D'Amico advises against overreacting to a few pre-season periods and recommends reevaluating Dobson's play after 10-20 regular-season games.

The Canadiens' acquisition of Dobson was intended to elevate their defensive corps into the upper echelon of the league. However, these aspirations hinge on Dobson's ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level. The initial injury scare serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in hockey and the importance of defensive depth. As the pre-season progresses, the Canadiens will be closely monitoring Dobson's recovery and hoping that he can quickly put these early concerns to rest.