NY Islanders ink Dobson, Romanov, and Bellows to extensions

The cone of silence by Lou Lamoriello has finally been broken. On Monday morning, the NY Islanders announced that they signed restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, and Kieffer Bellows to extensions. The Islanders have two remaining RFAs in Arnaud Durandeau and Parker Wotherspoon.

Dobson's extension is a three-year deal with a $4 million AAV. There was speculation that Lamoriello might try to lock Dobson up long-term at a bargain, however, the Islanders GM addressed that notion in his latest media availability:

"We have to see more with Noah and he has to continue to grow the way he did this year... We have to see a little more from Noah to make that long-term decision."
- Lou Lamoriello

Dobson is coming off a career year after a breakout 2021-22 season where he tallied 51 points, potting 13 goals, and 38 assists in 80 games. Dobson is coming off his entry-level deal, so the bridge deal serves as a "prove it" deal. Dobson will look to replicate his breakout performance in 2022-23 with his new defensive partner in Romanov. The slight on Dobson's game is that he struggles to defend the rush. The 22-year-old defenseman will still be an RFA by the end of his new contract.

Noah Dobson, signed 3x$4M by NYI, is a young top-four puck-moving defenceman who likes to shoot the puck and draws a lot of penalties. Very strong transition play last season but has struggled defending the rush. #Isles pic.twitter.com/OxNZNaDW44
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) August 22, 2022

Romanov also signed a three-year extension with an AAV of $2.5 million. Romanov was acquired on July 13th at the 2022 NHL draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the Islanders 13th overall selection. The Islanders also received a fourth-round pick that turned into prospect defenseman Isaiah George.

Romanov has accrued four goals and 15 points across two seasons playing for the Canadiens. The former second-round selection and KHL import is more known for his skating ability, aggressive physical presence, and defense.

Bellows' extension is for one year at $1.2 million. The former first round selection has potted 11 goals and 14 assists in 67 NHL games. Mostly serving as a depth forward for the Islanders, he'll head into training camp vying for a roster spot battling amongst a crowded forward group.

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