In a significant move just hours before the NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens have acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. The Canadiens also signed Dobson to an eight-year contract extension worth $76 million, carrying an annual average value of $9.5 million.

To acquire Dobson, the Canadiens sent forward Emil Heineman and their two 2025 first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) to the Islanders. The trade marks a bold step for Montreal, signaling their transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. TSN 690 Host Sean Campbell noted that this acquisition is "step one" in making the team "a whole lot better".

Dobson, 25, was drafted 12th overall by the Islanders in 2018. Over his six seasons with the team, he has accumulated 50 goals and 230 points in 388 career games. Last season, the right-shot defenseman recorded 10 goals and 39 points in 71 games, averaging 23:16 of ice time. His previous contract was a three-year, $12 million deal with a $4 million annual cap hit.

Dobson is coming off a 2023-24 campaign where he had a career-high 70 points (10 goals and 60 assists) in 79 games. He became the first Islanders defenseman since Denis Potvin to reach the 60-assist mark. While his point production dipped this past season, his play-making ability and offensive instincts are undeniable.

The acquisition of Dobson addresses a need for a right-shot defenseman on the Canadiens' roster. With the retirement of David Savard, Alexandre Carrier was the only remaining right-shot defenseman on the team's NHL roster. Prospects David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux are also right-handed shots, adding to the team's depth on the blue line.

Dobson's arrival in Montreal provides the Canadiens with another key defenseman alongside Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. Both players are known for their puck possession skills and ability to drive play through the neutral zone.

For the Islanders, this trade marks the first major move under their new general manager, Mathieu Darche. The team reportedly intends to use the acquired draft picks to move up in the draft and select local prospect James Hagens. Additionally, the Islanders receive Emil Heineman, a 23-year-old winger who had 10 goals and 18 points in 62 games with the Canadiens last season.

Some reports suggest that Dobson "forced his way out of Long Island" by seeking a high contract and limiting negotiations to preferred teams. It was reported that he did not want to be an Islander and would not budge on his contract ask.

The Canadiens, who exceeded expectations last season by making the playoffs, are now approximately $3.39 million over next year's salary cap. However, they can become cap-compliant by placing Carey Price's $10.5 million cap hit on long-term injured reserve.