Noah Dobson Nearing Return for NY Islanders; Roster Move Expected

The New York Islanders are expected to activate Noah Dobson from Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), significantly boosting their blue line as the team gears up for a crucial stretch in their playoff push. Dobson, who has been out since late January with an upper-body injury, had resumed skating but, due to LTIR rules, was ineligible to return until he misses 10 games and 24 days, meaning he was not eligible to return against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.

The 25-year-old defenseman hasn't been able to replicate his 70-point campaign last season but remains a key part of the team's defense. He has tallied 24 points (6G, 18A) in 46 games and leads the team in ice time. His absence left a void on the Islanders' power play, which Tony DeAngelo filled, but recent injury returns from Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield have helped stabilize the back end.

Dobson has been ramping up his recovery, skating before two team practices this week, and Patrick Roy was encouraged by his progress. "We'll see how it goes tomorrow, how he feels," Roy said on Saturday. "For all the guys that have been hurt, they're all progressing well, which is good for us."

The Islanders have to make a roster move to make room for Dobson. Rather than waive a player, such as Hudson Fasching, or one of the newly acquired defensemen, such as Adam Boqvist, it appears that Matt Martin, who hasn't played since Jan. 16 vs. Philadelphia, will be placed on Injured Reserve. Last night, Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported the potential transaction, which would also signal an opportunity to move injured forward Mathew Barzal to LTIR. Transactions being represented on the media site before an official announcement is a frequent occurrence.

Dobson's return will force Roy to make a lineup decision on the backend. Following the return of Mayfield and Pulock, Boqvist was a healthy scratch. Either Scott Perunovich or DeAngelo may be scratched once Dobson is officially activated unless a veteran mainstay is scratched.