New York Islanders Plans for Noah Dobson Could Lead to Major Trade

The New York Islanders are in the middle of a very big off-season. General Manager, Lou Lamoriello made news recently regarding Noah Dobson’s future. Lamoriello’s plans regarding Dobson could lead to a major trade for the blue and orange.

Last week New York Islanders GM, Lou Lamoriello made a very interesting statement about Noah Dobson in an interview with The Athletic’s Arthur Staple (subscription required). Lamoriello said, “I’d be awfully disappointed if he didn’t have a great chance at making this team.”

If Dobson is going to make the New York Islanders opening night roster then one of the Isles current blue liners has to go in a trade.

Already Crowded Group

The Islanders already have an extremely crowded blue line group on the main roster. Currently, they have a game of musical chairs with seven defensemen for six spots. Considering injuries always happen this is in the category of a good problem to have.

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However, if Dobson were to make the team now you’re talking that the Isles would have to sit two guys every night.

The Isles already have injury protection down in Bridgeport. Sebastian Aho, Mitchell Vande Sompel, and Parker Wotherspoon are waiting to show that they are indeed NHL defensemen.

The Dobson situation aside, Lamoriello can move a significant blueliner from his roster.

Leddy, Pelech, Mayfield

If the Islanders are writing Dobson’s name down on the 2019-20 opening night roster than one of Nick Leddy, Adam Pelech, or Scott Mayfield should be traded.

Leddy would be the front runner to be moved as he is the oldest of the trio (28 years old) and he has the highest cap hit ($5.5 million AAV for the next three years). Leddy had a nice bounce-back year (four goals, 26 points, +/- was zero) under Barry Trotz compared to the year before when he was a minus 42.

Pelech (turns 25 in August) and Mayfield (27 in October) are not as a proven as Leddy but are younger players still growing with the hope they will continue to improve like they did last season.

In addition, both have advantageous cap situations which in today’s NHL universe is a huge asset. Pelech is signed for two more years with a cap hit of $1.6 million, while Mayfield is locked up for the next four years at $1.45 million.

If Lamoriello is writing Dobson’s name in on the opening night roster than a starting defenseman needs to be traded. Everyone knows the Isles need help putting the puck in the net.