Imminent Noah Dobson trade hours before Round 1 of NHL Draft

Everyone has been wondering where are the New York Islanders with pending restricted free agent Noah Dobson and on Friday morning, hours prior to the first round of the NHL Draft, there is a sense the defenseman could indeed be on the move.

Latest reports have revealed that three suitors remain in the mix in the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, there is a well-known detail that’s been going around the league, the fact that Dobson himself would prefer to join the Habs.

The Canadiens also have what it takes for the Islanders and new general manager Mathieu Darche to be interested in pulling the trigger as Montreal could trade one or even two of its first-round picks, number 16 and 17, at the upcoming draft. The Habs could also include either defensive prospects Logan Mailloux or David Reinbacher in the deal.

It sure feels like a deal could take place shortly…

Dobson’s previous contract carried a $4 million cap hit and he is expected to land a significant raise on his next deal. League sources have informed insider Chris Johnston that he could get a cap hit of at least $9.5 million. And as for the trade, per Johnson, "league sources tell The Athletic they are down to two potential suitors: the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets."

The Habs are coming off a season in which they qualified for the playoffs and lost to the Washington Capitals in the first round.

Dobson, who stated his interest in joining the Habs, could indeed end up in Montreal by the end of the night.

A coveted right shot defenseman, Dobson has played 388 games for the Islanders and has 230 points. His career year came in 2023-24 when he scored 10 goals and totalled 70 points.