Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 2:10pm

DOBSON DEALT TO MONTREAL

The Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders for winger Emil Heineman and two first-round draft picks in 2025 (Nos. 16 and 17 overall).

What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
This is a huge trade for both squads. For Montreal, Dobson instantly becomes the team's top right defenseman. His arrival may move Lane Hutson back to the left side. The two young defensemen could play together, but it would make more sense to use them on separate pairings. Dobson signed an eight-year extension ($9.5 million/year) prior to this trade and will be expected to become a huge part of Montreal's core.

What does it give the New York Islanders
For the Islanders, this trade is mostly about adding as many assets as possible in order to acquire another first-round draft pick in this year's draft. Dobson is expected to be replaced by Matthew Schaefer on Long Island. The latter is the presumed first pick in this year's draft. The second first-round draft pick would be needed to draft center James Hagens, a projected top-10 pick in this year's draft and a Long Island native.

Fantasy impact
Dobson's fantasy value may take a hit after this trade, since Dobson is likely to be used on the second power-play unit in Montreal–behind Hutson. Dobson is still a good fantasy defenseman, but not a great fantasy defenseman. As for Heineman, he is a speedy winger who might still have some untapped upside. He should get a better opportunity to showcase himself with the Isles. Keep an eye on him.