New York Islanders Noah Dobson Has Chance at NHL in 2019-20

New York Islanders 2018 12th overall pick Noah Dobson has a chance at making the NHL next season. That’s not my opinion. That’s straight from Lou Lamoriello.

Noah Dobson just won his second Memorial Cup in two years, with two different teams. The New York Islanders first round pick from 2018 is the first player to do so since 1982.

It’s also the second time Dobson wins the QMJHL’s Presidents trophy and its the second time he’s named to the Memorial Cup’s All-Star team in two years. Not to mention he’s scored 121 points in 123 games over the last two seasons. This kid is one heck of a player.

He’s outgrown the CHL, but he isn’t old enough for the AHL, so if he can’t join the New York Islanders straight out of camp this season he’ll have to go to the CHL. But according to Isles GM Lou Lamoriello, Dobson will have a good shot at hitting the NHL next season.

Lou’s Thoughts

Speaking to Arthur Staple of The Athletic (subscription required), the New York Islanders GM believed that Noah Dobson could make the NHL next season. It wasn’t a guarantee but it was a nod that the Islanders would be open to keeping him in the NHL if he can prove he belongs.

"“The two years he’s had, I’d be awfully disappointed if he didn’t have a great chance of making this team,” Lamoriello said. “We’ll obviously have to see, but he’s had two exceptional years under pressure situations. You can’t get any higher in junior hockey than he’s gotten and he’s a terrific kid.”"

That’s an incredible endorsement for Noah Dobson. Remember, Lou has said time and time again that he believes it’s better to call up a prospect too late rather than too soon.

But two championships in two years is something that Lou and the New York Islanders just can’t ignore.

The only issue is what do the Islanders do with their roster if they keep Dobson in the NHL next season. The right-handed defenseman would be the fourth righty on the Islanders roster after Ryan Pulock, Johnny Boychuk and Scott Mayfield. All three are bonafide NHL players at this point.

Unless Lou and Barry Trotz are prepared to play one on the left side it’s hard to see how Dobson can fit in. But even then, with Adam Pelech, Nick Leddy, and Devon Toews on the left its crowded on both sides.

Unless Lou is ready to ship one out to make space.

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The future is certainly bright for the young defenseman. After winning yet another championship the door to the NHL has been opened with the New York Islanders. He’ll just have to prove to Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz that he belongs.