New York Islanders could have crowded blue line following 2025 NHL Draft

The New York Islanders could have a potentially crowded blue line following the 2025 NHL Draft.

That thought stems from the Isles taking Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. Plus, RFAs Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov could also be back in the fold next fall.

All of a sudden, the Islanders would go from having a gutted blue line, decimated by injuries this past season, to a blue line filled with high-end talent.

In his 32 Thoughts blog, insider Elliotte Friedman expounded on this situation. He wrote:

"There was a lot of noise this week about Alexander Romanov, and I do think teams have asked, but the true decision is Noah Dobson. (I’m told the price on Romanov was high.) Dobson is a year from unrestricted free agency, and for a right-hand defenceman with a surging cap, that’s going to be a big number. Dobson must fulfill his end of the bargain by getting back to his 70-point level. There are a few different paths, but if Dobson stays, others will go, especially if Matthew Schaefer is their pick and in the NHL come October. Potentially crowded blue line."

So, there’s a lot to unpack in that statement.

Firstly, there have been rumblings regarding teams inquiring about Romanov’s ability. The conventional wisdom is that the Islanders don’t want to trade him. But Mathieu Darche may be compelled to pull the trigger if the right comes along.

Secondly, there’s Noah Dobson. Dobson is in a tough spot. If he had a great year, this would have been so much easier. The Isles would have to pay up or trade him. However, his lackluster year means that paying up is a risk. Trading him is also a risk, as his value is at a low point.

Thirdly, selecting Schaefer likely moves a couple of guys down the depth chart. That, and the Isles potentially facing salary cap issues, could precipitate a deal.

I will say this: It’s unclear whether Schaefer is ready for the NHL. The likeliest path is that he returns to Junior for one more year. However, he has nothing left to prove there. Another path could be heading to Bridgeport for a stint until the club feels he’s ready to make the jump.

Unlike forwards, teams can’t bury a young defenseman in the lineup. Even placing Schaefer on the third pairing, unless it’s with a high-end veteran, opposing teams will take advantage of him.

However, the 2025 NHL Draft unfolds, the Islanders could find themselves sifting through various blue liners leading up to Opening Night.