Major Doubts Over Noah Dobson's Islanders Future After Jeff Marek's Latest Report
With all the talk surrounding Noah Dobson and whether he'll be traded, a new report from Jeff Marek has sparked some debate about his future.
Noah Dobson has made quite the name for himself in recent days, between being linked to the Maple Leafs in a trade and switching agents -- something big is seemingly going down.
Jeff Marek seems to believe so too, as the NHL Hockey Insider has his eye closely on Dobson and thinks he may be in the way out after the agent switch.
Does Marek's belief hold any merit? Let's break it down.
Noah Dobson's Switch Unusual: Jeff Marek
You have to agree with Marek here, as it's not often a player changes agencies mid-season, nor do they end up signing with a group that represents the likes of Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid.
Dobson has been a central figure in trade talks recently, and with reports that New York is more than willing to trade him in favor of Brock Nelson -- he's looking out for his future.
New York has been on a defensive spending spree in recent weeks adding Tony DeAngelo, Scott Perunovich, and Adam Boqvist to their lineup. This influx of puck-moving defensemen could be a sign that Dobson is on the outs.
But if Dobson were on the outs -- where could he be headed to?
Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade For Noah Dobson Amidst Rumors
One place he could certainly find a spot is the Toronto Maple Leafs -- who desperately need some assistance on their blueline if they are to make a big playoff push.
Dobson, 25, has 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 46 games for the Islanders, while adding 24:01 TOI. but is currently on the LTIR with a lower-body injury.
He would instantly give Toronto a solid top-four with Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev. Dobson can give Rielly the defensive help he needs, and can chip in offensively as well (a sore spot for Toronto this season).
He is currently making $4M and is in the final year of his three-year $12M contract at which point he will become a restricted free agent.
Dobson isn't going to come cheap however, and Toronto may need to part with either Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan -- in addition to their 2026 first rounder and then some.
There's no doubt that this won't be the last time we hear Dobson's name in the headlines and it very well could be an announcement of his exit from Long Island.
