Wasserman Hockey makes the signing of NY Islanders D Noah Dobson official

With a social media post, Wasserman Hockey officially confirmed what was first reported last week: New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson has switched agents and joined "Team Wass," which represents superstars Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, among others.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News was the first to report that Dobson was making an agency switch, leaving Andrew Maloney of Maloney and Thompson ahead of restricted free agency this summer. The move led to and in some cases, added, to speculation that the Islanders are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old right-handed defenseman who became the first Islander D-man since Denis Potvin to register 70 points in a season.

There are several reasons why a player would make a switch in agents, and it shouldn't be taken as an indication that Dobson is unhappy on Long Island. One could be that the player feels that they have been undervalued in the past and that the agent isn't pushing hard enough for a better deal. Making a move to an agency with a more substantial track record in securing high-value contracts makes sense for Dobson ahead of contract discussions with the Islanders, where a long-term investment could be on the negotiating table.

After a breakout 2021-22 season, Dobson signed a three-year $12M bridge deal with the Islanders, setting up another contract negotiation this summer. After his 70-point season a year ago and the expectations of a higher NHL salary cap being realized, things appeared to be set up perfectly for Dobson to cash in with an AAV somewhere between $8-10M a year. However, he regressed offensively as the quarterback of the worst power play in the league, and the Islanders already have long-term investments with Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield. Dobson's defense partner, Alexander Romanov, is also due a new deal and has a strong third season with the Isles. Maxim Tysplakov and Simon Holmstrom are also RFAs that the Islanders will likely want back.

Dobson suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 20 versus Columbus and hasn't played since. He skated before the Islanders' practice on Wednesday, a positive sign that he is working his way back from that injury. For the season, Dobson has 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 46 games.