3 Potential Trade Destinations for Islanders' Noah Dobson

Just ask Devon Toews, New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello is known for making questionable decision making with his blueline. This season - insert, Noah Dobson.

Several rumors and reports have surfaced stating Dobson is in play ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. The 25-year-old blueliner is in the final season of his current contract, at $4-million AAV, and is a pending restricted free agent at season's end. Dobson has 24 points in 46 games this season and could immediately upgrade every team's top-four in the league. Here's where Dobson could wind up before the deadline:

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning are looking to make a huge splash ahead of the deadline and Dobson would be exactly what the doctor ordered. Tampa Bay just so happens to have $4.8 million in deadline cap space to work with, so could fit Dobson within their books. Tampa is just two points up on the second wild-card spot in the East, so expect to see GM Julien BriseBois very aggressive ahead with the deadline, with their two second-round picks in play, along with prospect Conor Geekie. 

The #NYI have made Noah Dobson available for the right price: a top-end scoring forward.

Meanwhile, it seems like there have been extension talks between GM Lamoriello and Brock Nelson on a short-term deal.

Full report from @JimBiringer below: https://t.co/yl1xY8AG53

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) February 7, 2025

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets will go all-in this season. They are one of the league's best teams, and adding a player like Dobson on the back end, would push them one step closer to elite. The Islanders seem to have limited direction moving forward, and Lamoriello has been all over the place, so it's hard to say what kind of package he's looking for in return for Dobson. At least one first-round pick, and Jets' prospect Colby Barlow will be on Lou's wish list.

Noah Dobson is a really good hockey player pic.twitter.com/zd3q2nW0NT

— Michael Dixon (@mdixonair) February 7, 2025

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs would love to add a top-four right-handed defenseman to their lineup, especially one with the offensive upside as Dobson. If GM Brad Treliving wants to make a serious offer, top prospect Easton Cowan would 100% need to be included, with Conor Timmins and likely a 2026 first-round pick. The price tag on Dobson will be monumental, and it will be interesting to see who's going to pay up to Lou's demands.

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images