Potential replacements if the NY Islanders were to move on from Noah Dobson

Now that the Florida Panthers have been crowned Stanley Cup champions for the second season in a row, we've entered silly season with the NHL Draft only six days away, and the start of free agency in 10 days.

In terms of current roster construction, restricted free agent Noah Dobson remains the NY Islanders' biggest question mark. Due a massive pay raise, it's been reported that Dobson could be looking for upwards of $11M AAV. Islanders GM Mathieu Darche is doing his due diligence on Dobson, testing the trade market to see what he could possibly get in return for the 24-year-old RHD.

How to replace Noah Dobson

“I think they have a bit of a decision to make here. I’ve heard quietly they’re testing the market here," Elliotte Friendamn said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. "I think they just want to know. I know there’s been a lot of Romanov rumors, but I’ve had a few people tell me Dobson is the guy to keep an eye on.”

Moving Dobson would create a tremendous hole in the Islanders' blue line, so how would they replace a player of his caliber IF he were to be moved (and that's a massive IF)?

Examining the Islanders' prospect pool, while some young players could be ready (or close to being ready) to make the jump to becoming full-time NHL defensemen, none are right-handed. Isaiah George, Jesse Pulkkinen, and Calle Odelius all play on the left side of the blue line.

Moving on from Dobson would create significant cap space to go and grab a free agent, but Darche would likely prefer to spend that money on a top-six forward. Among this year's free agent crop, Aaron Ekblad is at the top of the list among right-handed defencemen, but he will be too expensive. Darche could consider a short-term contract with John Klingberg, as the 32-year-old should be relatively inexpensive and is capable of producing points from the blue line. Another option could be Dante Fabbro, who is five years younger than Klingberg, but would be looking for significantly more term and AAV.

The most likely solution would be an internal replacement. The Isles recently re-signed Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal worth $850k. Boqvist played sparingly last season after being claimed off waivers, but could be a temporary replacement.

Tony DeAngelo remains the most likely candidate to take over if Dobson were moved. Signed out of the KHL last season, DeAngelo brought another offensive element to the Islanders once joining the team. With 19 points (4 G, 15 A) in 35 games, DeAngelo contributed on the power play, even taking over duties on the point from Dobson on the first extra-man unit. He'd be relatively cheap and would become a short-term replacement.

It would take a significant deal for Darche and the Islanders to move Dobson, but if they're eyeing taking Matthew Schaeffer and James Hagens in the first round, it gives them the easiest path to doing so.