The New York Islanders may be on the verge of a major roster shakeup, as trade talks involving top defenseman Noah Dobson have reportedly intensified in the lead-up to NHL free agency and the 2025 Draft.
According toChris JohnstonofThe Athletic, the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets are among the clubs showing strong interest in acquiring the 25-year-old blueliner. As a restricted free agent due to hit the market on July 1, Dobson has yet to agree to a contract extension with the Islanders, prompting speculation about his future with the team.
Dobson is coming off a statistically modest campaign—10 goals and 29 assists in 71 games—following a breakout 70-point season the year prior. Despite the dip, he remains a coveted right-shot defenseman with top-pairing potential.
Which teams are leading the race for Dobson?
The Canadiens have reportedly made an initial offer and view Dobson as a long-term fit on their right side. However, cap space is an obstacle. With just over $6 million available, the Canadiens would likely need to move salary to accommodate Dobson’s expected asking price, reportedly above $10 million per season.
Noah Dobson #8 of the New York Islanders skates during the second period the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 2, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
The Blues are also in the mix, looking to rejuvenate their blue line despite having veterans like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk under contract. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as a potential dark horse, monitoring the situation closely as they seek to stabilize their defensive core.
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Adding further intrigue, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun noted on Friday morning via X: “There’s a real sense that a Dobson trade could happen by tonight given the possibility of a first-round pick from tonight being included in the trade. St. Louis, Montreal and Columbus among the teams with interest.”
Why would the Islanders trade their top defenseman?
The Islanders’ decision to engage in trade talks involving Dobson likely stems from salary cap pressures. The team holds just $21 million in projected cap space and must re-sign several key RFAs, including Alexander Romanov, Simon Holmstrom, and Maxim Tsyplakov.
Moving Dobson now could bring in either immediate NHL assets or valuable draft capital while alleviating future cap concerns. It also helps the team avoid the risk of an offer sheet, which becomes a real threat if no extension is reached by July 1.
General manager Mathieu Darche acknowledged the ongoing nature of the talks but struck a measured tone: “I’ve been talking with the agents. That’s part of the process. Sometimes it takes time, sometimes it happens quickly.”
What’s the timeline for a potential deal?
With the 2025 NHL Draft currently underway, the urgency is mounting. A team willing to include a first-round pick tonight could sway the Islanders to pull the trigger. If no deal is reached soon, Long Island’s front office may risk letting a cornerstone player reach restricted free agency without a deal in place.
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Selected in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Dobson has logged top-pairing minutes and emerged as a two-way threat. Whether he remains in New York or starts fresh elsewhere, his future is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines heading into free agency.
