The dates are set for the NY Islanders to host Brock Nelson and Noah Dobson for the first time

The NY Islanders will be without two of the mainstays in their lineup for the first time since the 2019-20 season, as Brock Nelson and Noah Dobson have departed the organization.

For the first time in what seems like forever, there will be no “Brocktober” on the island, but the long-time Islander will make his return to UBS Arena on Dec. 4.

Nelson spent 12 seasons on Long Island before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche before the trade deadline in exchange for Calum Ritchie and a first-round pick in 2026.

Brock Nelson ad Noah Dobson will both visit UBA Arena once this season

There was an outside chance the Islanders could convince Nelson to return to the Islanders as he entered free agency, but those chances were slim. Nelson elected to remain in Colorado, signing a three-year extension worth $7.5M a season.

Nelson's return to Long Island will be an emotional one for both him and the Islanders' fans. Nelson played a significant role for the franchise during his tenure, serving as the Isles' leading goal scorer in four seasons, including three of the last four.

Dobson won't make his return to Long Island until game 81, when the Montreal Canadiens visit on April 12.

After being unable to agree on an extension, Mathieu Darche elected to trade Dobson while still an RFA, receiving two first-round picks and Emil Heineman in return.

Dobson had his ups and downs with the Islanders during his six-year tenure, but his 2023-24 season wasn't just the best of his career, it was the best for any Islanders defenseman since Denis Potvin.

Despite Dobson's struggles last season, offensive-minded defensemen are rare these days, and moving him is a risk. But paying a defenseman upwards of $10M a season with one standout season was more of a risk.

Dobson won't receive the ovation of Nelson, but he deserves to be appreciated for his time with the Islanders.