Noah Dobson of the NY Islanders named one of the NHL's top 20 defensemen

NHL Network has been running their top 20 players at each position heading into the 2024-25 season. Last night, the show highlighted the blue liners, with Noah Dobson coming in at 15.

To nobody's surprise, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar took the top spot on the list, while his partner and former Islander Devon Toews came in at 10.

Earlier this summer, Ilya Sorokin was ranked as the league's 5th best goaltender, while Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat were snubbed from the wingers and centers lists.

Dobson comes in at No. 15

The NY Islanders defenseman had the best season of his career last year, finishing with 70 points (10 G, 60 A), in what was the best offensive season for an Islanders defenseman since the days of Denis Potvin.

Dobson, 24, has been improving each season, breaking out in 2023-24. For much of the season, it appeared as if he'd be a candidate for the Norris Trophy, but the points didn't seem to come as easily in the final 17 games of the season.

As the only blue liner for the Islanders capable of putting up points on a nightly basis, Dobson will be relied on heavily by Patrick Roy to create from his perch on the right side of the blue line if the Islanders hope to be successful this season.

Regardless of what Dobson did last season, the 2024-25 season will be the most important of his career. Dobson's 3-year deal signed in 2022 is set to expire at the end of the season. If he manages to have a season on par with last year, he'll be looking at a hefty pay raise for his next contract. The question for the Islanders remains if they'll look to extend Dobson beforehand, or if they allow him to play out the season and make a decision then.