NY Islanders face critical crossroads with Noah Dobson as trade rumors swirl

After the New York Islanders make their selection with the 1st overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft later tonight, the biggest offseason storyline won't be about who they drafted—it’s about Noah Dobson, and whether he’ll still be wearing blue and orange when the puck drops next season.

Dobson, two years removed from a 70-point season, is reportedly looking for $10-111 million AAV on a long-term deal. That’s elite defenseman money, and while Dobson has taken big steps, the Isles front office—now led by Mathieu Darche—is understandably likely not quite sold on handing out a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in team history.

The gap in contract talks is reportedly real, with most seeing his value to be in the $7.5–$8 million range, which has opened the door to trade speculation. While Dobson is a Restricted Free Agent (RFA), he does have some leverage in the situation as the only teams that the Islanders can deal with are those that are making the deal knowing he will sign the extension he and his agent want.

The Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Montreal Canadiens have been the teams most often mentioned as potential suitors, though the package back to the Islanders is tough to predict. It could range from a deal centered around prospects and draft capital that opens up salary cap space for Darche and the front office, or receiving a player in return that can contribute right away.

Now, this would be a huge move. Dobson is just 25, under team control, and was the first Islanders defenseman since Denis Potvin to reach 70 points in a season. But last year was a big step back offensively (39 points), and his defensive lapses, particularly late in games, haven’t gone unnoticed. Paying him in upwards of $10M AAV a year means betting that he’s not just your No. 1 guy now, but a franchise cornerstone for the next eight years.

So the Isles are at a crossroads: lock up Dobson and solidify the blue line, possibly around him and Matthew Schaefer in the near future, or sell while his value is high and reshape the roster in a big way.