Serious ? for you Islanders fans - what is your general consensus on Noah Dobson?

Someone in the Leaf blog comments said you guys hate him because he's atrocious defensively and if he's not scoring he's a liability.

I looked at his stats and to me they just don't tell that story but I don't see any Islanders games so I'm not sure if he's playing sheltered minutes against 3rd / 4th liners, how many minutes he gets etc.

Just wondering what the real scoop is because the folks in here would presumably have the most informed opinion.


Thanks in advance.
- Cush29

I don't think there are many Islander fans that "hate" Dobson, not any marginally-intelligent ones anyway.

He's had a frustrating season after a major offensive breakout last year that brought some very high hopes for him. He's definitely prone to some poor decision-making in his own end but when the points are coming like they did last year it makes it much easier to stomach. He and Romanov have had some very good chemistry together though. He's still young and has a lot of room to grow.

I don't think anyone is looking to move on from him unless there is a very good player coming back the deal. His development may have plateaued, or even taken a small step back, this season. That makes his upcoming contract negotiations a little uneasy because he's probably going to want a long-term deal and, after the season he's had so far, that carries a little more risk than we thought it would after last season.

My opinion:

He was excellent his first few years under Barry Trotz, but his defense has tailed off. Not sure why. Maybe the changes in coaches? Anyway, a few years ago, I would not have traded him for anyone, because I thought he had so much potential. I still like the guy, but if he brought back a star forward, I would be fine with trading him.
- JohnScammo

Thanks for this and I figured the Islanders would want to re-sign him but maybe they would move him as a rental if the asking price is wild. As a Leaf fan I can relate all too well to insane asking prices for players in a contract year. Marner is the one for this season......

I don't think there are many Islander fans that "hate" Dobson, not any marginally-intelligent ones anyway.

He's had a frustrating season after a major offensive breakout last year that brought some very high hopes for him. He's definitely prone to some poor decision-making in his own end but when the points are coming like they did last year it makes it much easier to stomach. He and Romanov have had some very good chemistry together though. He's still young and has a lot of room to grow.

I don't think anyone is looking to move on from him unless there is a very good player coming back the deal. His development may have plateaued, or even taken a small step back, this season. That makes his upcoming contract negotiations a little uneasy because he's probably going to want a long-term deal and, after the season he's had so far, that carries a little more risk than we thought it would after last season.
- eichiefs9

Thanks and makes sense, at least he's an RFA vs UFA which helps if the Islanders want to re-sign him.

Thanks and makes sense, at least he's an RFA vs UFA which helps if the Islanders want to re-sign him.
- Cush29

Problem is that he is arb-eligible and will be a UFA after next season. So while they may be able to keep him in the fold next year if they can't agree on a contract extension, going to arbitration is never a good thing for the player/team relationship and then Dobson would hold all the cards on the next deal as he can walk away for nothing as a UFA in the summer of 2026.

Problem is that he is arb-eligible and will be a UFA after next season. So while they may be able to keep him in the fold next year if they can't agree on a contract extension, going to arbitration is never a good thing for the player/team relationship and then Dobson would hold all the cards on the next deal as he can walk away for nothing as a UFA in the summer of 2026.
- eichiefs9

Ah I see and ouch that is a tough spot and your right the arb process can really damage the relationship between a player and team and agents in the players ear saying poop like "see they don't value you, they are ripping you apart and don't care about you" can't help.

Well if he gets moved I hope you guys get a good return for him.

Ah I see and ouch that is a tough spot and your right the arb process can really damage the relationship between a player and team and agents in the players ear saying poop like "see they don't value you, they are ripping you apart and don't care about you" can't help.

Well if he gets moved I hope you guys get a good return for him.
- Cush29

Yeah it's definitely not an ideal situation for either side. Obviously the hope is that they can work out a long-term extension at a fair number that takes into account both his stellar season last year and his disappointing one this year.

He was probably on track for a contract in the $9M-ish range after last season, now I'm not so sure how the team would feel about that.

Yeah it's definitely not an ideal situation for either side. Obviously the hope is that they can work out a long-term extension at a fair number that takes into account both his stellar season last year and his disappointing one this year.

He was probably on track for a contract in the $9M-ish range after last season, now I'm not so sure how the team would feel about that.
- eichiefs9

So like 7 million? Maybe 6? With the cap expected to jump so soon in the next three years I think 7 is probably where people would feel comfortable on a long term deal.

I think Sorokin + Dobson is a good foundation for the future but what do I know? Just a lowly leaf fan

So like 7 million? Maybe 6? With the cap expected to jump so soon in the next three years I think 7 is probably where people would feel comfortable on a long term deal.

I think Sorokin + Dobson is a good foundation for the future but what do I know? Just a lowly leaf fan
- Aaron_85

I think $6M would be low, I'd guess somewhere in between $7M-$8M would be where it lands. If I had to guess, I'd imagine it'd be closer to $8M if he's going to commit long-term.

I think $6M would be low, I'd guess somewhere in between $7M-$8M would be where it lands. If I had to guess, I'd imagine it'd be closer to $8M if he's going to commit long-term.
- eichiefs9

Probably correct.

ALthough I'm a proponent of players, especially those considered "star" players (and he's a RHD/young with a great year last year) that they take a shorter term and bet on themselves with the cap going up. Maybe it's just for super stars like Matthews but if Dobson wants to bridge, maybe 3 years at 6 or 6.5?

Maybe it's 7 on a bridge for giving up 2 years of UFA

Probably correct.

ALthough I'm a proponent of players, especially those considered "star" players (and he's a RHD/young with a great year last year) that they take a shorter term and bet on themselves with the cap going up. Maybe it's just for super stars like Matthews but if Dobson wants to bridge, maybe 3 years at 6 or 6.5?

Maybe it's 7 on a bridge for giving up 2 years of UFA
- Aaron_85

Entirely possible and honestly entirely impossible to predict. I'm not even convinced that Lamoriello will definitely be the GM next season and everyone is going to have a different risk tolerance. A bridge deal is tough for the team because they're just kicking the can down the road to a point when they'll have no leverage.

I would imagine, if that's what Dobson is seeking, that the team will not want to go very high on the number because it will force them to either come up with a massive payday in 2-3 years, trade him, or see him walk away for nothing. Although I guess it's possible the team could see it as a way to stave off a big (in term & dollars) contract until the cap has fully taken that massive increase that was announced.

It'll be something interesting to follow for sure.

If Lou thinks this team is still a buyer after last night's debacle he needs to be forcibly removed from his office and taken to the nearest Bristal and locked up. Tight.

Team has a lack of talent along with forwards not willing to crash the net and defense to clear the front of the net. Bo is very average without Barzal and Nelson is not a clutch player and was exposed against real players during that tournament. Lee is not much of a captain. Cal was more upset than the players. Think this covers things.
- ses111

3/4's of our forward core would be third liners at best on most top teams.

That alone says a lot.

Entirely possible and honestly entirely impossible to predict. I'm not even convinced that Lamoriello will definitely be the GM next season and everyone is going to have a different risk tolerance. A bridge deal is tough for the team because they're just kicking the can down the road to a point when they'll have no leverage.

I would imagine, if that's what Dobson is seeking, that the team will not want to go very high on the number because it will force them to either come up with a massive payday in 2-3 years, trade him, or see him walk away for nothing. Although I guess it's possible the team could see it as a way to stave off a big (in term & dollars) contract until the cap has fully taken that massive increase that was announced.

It'll be something interesting to follow for sure.
- eichiefs9

I think Lou has taken this team as far as he can. I thank him for bringing some respectability back to the crest. Now it is time for the organization to take its next step in building a solid foundation. Sell the assets to increase the talent pool.

If done correctly the core can still have 5 years to compete before a total overhaul would be needed. If really done correctly, it can be the building blocks to something even bigger. Especially with the cap rising.

It is time to retire from some of our favorite shirts and go shopping for the future.

I think Lou has taken this team as far as he can. I thank him for bringing some respectability back to the crest. Now it is time for the organization to take its next step in building a solid foundation. Sell the assets to increase the talent pool.

If done correctly the core can still have 5 years to compete before a total overhaul would be needed. If really done correctly, it can be the building blocks to something even bigger. Especially with the cap rising.

It is time to retire from some of our favorite shirts and go shopping for the future.
- Nfdbulldawg

voice of reason you're absolutely right. think about the low stress enjoyment of watching a rebuilding team you know sucks, we could use it

3/4's of our forward core would be third liners at best on most top teams.

That alone says a lot.
- Nfdbulldawg

It really does. Team needs changes in management scouting and the players.

Would we prefer a loss tonight in hopes that we sell off our assets for a retool, or would we rather make the first round of the playoffs and lose again?? I know there's the get in and anything can happen thought but lately, it's just a first round loss in six games.

Would we prefer a loss tonight in hopes that we sell off our assets for a retool, or would we rather make the first round of the playoffs and lose again?? I know there's the get in and anything can happen thought but lately, it's just a first round loss in six games.
- Upstate_isles

Best thing long term is to miss the playoffs.

Would we prefer a loss tonight in hopes that we sell off our assets for a retool, or would we rather make the first round of the playoffs and lose again?? I know there's the get in and anything can happen thought but lately, it's just a first round loss in six games.
- Upstate_isles

Generally, I am in favor of trying to make the playoffs. But with just a few games left before the trade deadline, the Islanders have less than a 1 in 12 chance of making the playoffs, according to this site. https://www.playoffstatus...nhl/easternstandings.html

So IMO, they would be better off trading Nelson and Palmieri, and tanking. Keep the losing streak going and they can easily move up in the draft where they are currently sitting on the 9th overall pick. https://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Generally, I am in favor of trying to make the playoffs. But with just a few games left before the trade deadline, the Islanders have less than a 1 in 12 chance of making the playoffs, according to this site. https://www.playoffstatus...nhl/easternstandings.html

So IMO, they would be better off trading Nelson and Palmieri, and tanking. Keep the losing streak going and they can easily move up in the draft where they are currently sitting on the 9th overall pick. https://www.tankathon.com/nhl
- JohnScammo

I think it’s obvious what they should do, but hearing Lou is trying to extend guys doesn’t bode well. It will be interesting to see what happens after the season because the isles are in bad shape and Lou has been at the helm for more than the 5 years it takes to rebuild. In other words he’s had more than enough time to field a cup contender

How are the isles sitting at 9th, if there a lottery? That draft system is weird. They should go back to the order of drafting is dictated by where you finish.

I think it’s obvious what they should do, but hearing Lou is trying to extend guys doesn’t bode well. It will be interesting to see what happens after the season because the isles are in bad shape and Lou has been at the helm for more than the 5 years it takes to rebuild. In other words he’s had more than enough time to field a cup contender

How are the isles sitting at 9th, if there a lottery? That draft system is weird. They should go back to the order of drafting is dictated by where you finish.
- kindlyrick

I'm trying very hard to not believe some of the stuff that I've seen regarding extensions for Nelson/Palmieri rather than trades. Really nothing ever leaks out so, I'm hoping, those "reports" are nothing more than speculation or a little misdirection from Lou to try to inflate the offers he's getting for those two.

I'm trying very hard to not believe some of the stuff that I've seen regarding extensions for Nelson/Palmieri rather than trades. Really nothing ever leaks out so, I'm hoping, those "reports" are nothing more than speculation or a little misdirection from Lou to try to inflate the offers he's getting for those two.
- eichiefs9

Hoping you’re right. I just don’t have much faith in ownership if they continue with an 83 year old Lou. If they wanna make him president of hockey operations, and let another GM come in I’m fine with it. Ownership doesn’t appear to be serious about winning if this continues.

Hoping you’re right. I just don’t have much faith in ownership if they continue with an 83 year old Lou. If they wanna make him president of hockey operations, and let another GM come in I’m fine with it. Ownership doesn’t appear to be serious about winning if this continues.
- kindlyrick

Not a fan of longer term deals on bottom pair d and forwards. I think a new gm is needed, lou was good for the isles and new arena but it may be time

I think it’s obvious what they should do, but hearing Lou is trying to extend guys doesn’t bode well. It will be interesting to see what happens after the season because the isles are in bad shape and Lou has been at the helm for more than the 5 years it takes to rebuild. In other words he’s had more than enough time to field a cup contender

How are the isles sitting at 9th, if there a lottery? That draft system is weird. They should go back to the order of drafting is dictated by where you finish.
- kindlyrick

The odds of moving up in the draft are improved, the closer you are to the worst record in the NHL. So right now, the Islanders have the 9th worst record in the NHL, which translates to a 5% chance of selecting first overall. Hypothetically, if they moved up to the 4th worst record, their odds would improve to a 9.5% chance of selecting first overall. As to why the NHL does this, instead of simply going with the reverse order of finish, I think it's to discourage teams from tanking.

The odds of moving up in the draft are improved, the closer you are to the worst record in the NHL. So right now, the Islanders have the 9th worst record in the NHL, which translates to a 5% chance of selecting first overall. Hypothetically, if they moved up to the 4th worst record, their odds would improve to a 9.5% chance of selecting first overall. As to why the NHL does this, instead of simply going with the reverse order of finish, I think it's to discourage teams from tanking.
- JohnScammo

Regarding the tanking, that should be up to the team who’s losing money with crappy attendance. The draft order wreaks if you ask me. The only way for it to be 100% fair is reverse order from how you finish. Otherwise you have the Oilers getting 4 first overalls in 6 years……which is HIGHLY unlikely probability wise.

Hoping you’re right. I just don’t have much faith in ownership if they continue with an 83 year old Lou. If they wanna make him president of hockey operations, and let another GM come in I’m fine with it. Ownership doesn’t appear to be serious about winning if this continues.
- kindlyrick

That would certainly be a way to remove him from the job without having to fire a guy in his 80's who is a legendary name in professional hockey. I mean they call also just tell him he's out and give him the opportunity to announce his retirement with the general public not knowing the truth, but who knows.

For all we know, Lou could have told another GM that he was keeping Nelson or Palmieri to see if they would up their offers.