Unfortunate News Emerges for Maple Leafs Pursuit of Noah Dobson After Elliotte Friedman's Report
Elliotte Friedman's new report pours cold water on the potential of the Leafs pursuing defenseman Noah Dobson as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are one team that may be setting eyes on New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, with the 25-year-old set to be a free agent at the end of this season and with a recent report linking Dobson as a trade target.
But new reporting from Elliotte Friedman indicates that a Noah Dobson trade may be a difficult task.
Friedman reports on '32 Thoughts: The Podcast' that while Noah Dobson's name has come up in trade rumors, it's his understanding that a move for Dobson won't happen with just any team, but would likely revolve around a specific deal with the Islanders.
After a breakthrough year in the Big Apple last season with 10 goals and 70 points in 79 games for the Islanders, Dobson is looking to be one of the league's top right-handed defenders.
This season has been a bit quieter offensively, with just six goals and 24 points in 46 games with New York, leading to the potential of a trade for the 6'4 Dobson, who will likely gain a major return, even in a down year.
Teams will still end up acquiring a potential first-pairing defenseman who is having a solid season -- but at a price. Could that team be the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Can The Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Noah Dobson?
Just what sort of deal the Islanders are looking for is an unknown but for a young RHD with size and year removed from 70 points? The Islanders will surely still be demanding a massive return.
Even if he isn't on the same 70-point pace as last season, Dobson is still one of the league's top young defensive defensemen, and his size and strength are valuable to any team.
Does that include the Toronto Maple Leafs? It's tough to say, but it does question Toronto's pursuit for offensive help.
Rumors have consistently focused on a forward add for Toronto, with popular names including Brayden Schenn in St. Louis and Scott Laughton in Philadelphia.
Both Schenn and Laughton being expected to cost a anywhere from a modest to mammoth price; a forward or a defenseman seems like an either/or.
The Leafs only have so little in value to give in futures. Without a first-rounder in 2025 and a lack of elite prospects, Toronto may not have enough for Dobson and already will have to break the bank for a top forward unless they entice a bargain option.
The Toronto Maple Leafs look poised to move one of Fraser Minten, Nikita Grebenkin, & their first-round pick in 2026, with that to afford a forward. For Noah Dobson, the price is at risk of being far out of Toronto's current reach.
But what do YOU think? Will the Maple Leafs pursue Noah Dobson, or will they focus on adding their coveted third line center? Let us know!
