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Islanders Trade Star Defenseman Noah Dobson in Draft Day Blockbuster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 3:15 PM ET

After weeks of speculation about the long-term future of star New York islanders star defenseman Noah Dobson, fans finally have an answer.

The 25-year-old blueliner has spent his first six seasons with the Islanders, recording 50 goals and 231 points in 388 games. A perennial Norris Trophy contender, Dobson scored a career-high 70 points two seasons ago, ranking second on the Islanders in scoring.

The former 12th overall pick had been the subject of trade rumors since the season ended with New York looking to trade him rather than pay him the $11 million-per-year salary he was seeking, per Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.

According to a report from NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the Islanders found a trade partner, agreeing to send Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens, who promptly signed the star defenseman to an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million per year, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

In return, the Islanders received 23-year-old forward Emil Heineman, who scored 10 goals and 18 points in 62 games last season, plus both of Montreal’s first-round picks — Nos. 16 and 17 overall.

Many have speculated New York, which will likely take defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick in Friday’s draft, has been looking to acquire more assets to trade back up into the top five for Boston College center James Hagens, a New York native.

The Islanders could offer up a package of the Nos. 16 and 17 picks plus a top prospect like forward Cole Eiserman or 80-point center Matthew Barzal to make such a deal happen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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