Significant Updates For Dobson & Hedman Ahead of Canadiens-Lightning Game 7

Montréal Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson

It's Game 7 for the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night, and both teams are hoping to have all hands on deck, if at all possible.

For the Habs, top-pairing defenseman Noah Dobson hasn't played in the entire first-round series, recovering from an injury to his thumb suffered while blocking a shot on April 11th.

But a significant development on Sunday morning as Dobson took warmup with the team, and head coach Martin St. Louis says he is "confident" that the blueliner will "give the Canadiens what they need" if he's able to play, per reporter Eric Engels.

Noah Dobson taking warmup, and St. Louis is confident he’ll give the Canadiens what they need if he can play.
Gametime decision
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 3, 2026

He'll take pre-game warmup and will be a game-time decision.

“I think Dobber’s a gametime decision tonight, and we’ll assess after warmup,” said St. Louis. “He’s been a big player for us this year. I’m confident that if he plays, he’s going to bring something.”

The 25-year-old was deemed "50-50" in advance of Game 6, but ultimately wasn't able to play. Montreal is hoping that tonight's the night.

Hedman skates with Bolts' scratches in optional skate ahead of Game 7

For the Lightning, the update on Sunday isn't as promising for their own key d-man.

Victor Hedman has been out since March 19. Before Game 6, head coach Jon Cooper said that his captain would be an option "really soon."

Unfortunately, the development on Sunday isn't very promising for his return in Game 7. He skated with the scratches at the team’s optional session in the morning.

Victor Hedman still out here with the scratches at optional skate this morning. Jon Cooper meets media at 430 pm ET ahead of Game 7. pic.twitter.com/hgKSxMUEwL
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 3, 2026

Cooper confirmed later in the day that Hedman was not an option for Game 7.

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner (2020) has been on a personal leave, but has skated with the team several times during the first round. However, Cooper, earlier in the series, said regarding Hedman, “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

Today's skate with the team's scratches sealed his fate.