The New York Islanders have a decision to make regarding defenseman Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman is a restricted free agent this summer. Evolving Hockey projects him to sign an eight-year contract worth north of $10 million per season.
New York can afford to give him this sort of contract. The issue is not one of cap flexibility. However, the Islanders could see what a trade may bring them. And there is some reason why New York could be skeptical about his future performances.
Dobson emerged as a star in 2023-24 when he scored 70 points. Unfortunately, he could not replicate this in 2024-25. The Islanders star managed just 39 points across 71 games. This creates questions over what version of Dobson is real. Is he an elite 70-point producer, or is he a supplemental scorer from the point?
If the Islanders elect to make a trade, they need to get something of value back. New York is not looking for a package of picks and prospects. They want immediate help, and there is a team that could offer this.
The Philadelphia Flyers made their first trade of the summer, getting Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. However, they could use help on the blueline. This trade pitch for Dobson could work out well for Philadelphia and New York.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire: Defenseman Noah Dobson
New York Islanders acquire: Forward Owen Tippett and the 22nd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (originally owned by the Colorado Avalanche)
Noah Dobson Vastly Improves Flyers’ Blueline
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesNoah Dobson could receive his expected payday from the Philadelphia Flyers this summer.
The Flyers have a solid blueline, but it could certainly improve. Philadelphia is expected to make some changes to this group, as well. For instance, Rasmus Ristolainen is a trade candidate for the Flyers this summer.
However, Dobson still improves this group if these changes do not occur. His arrival gives the team a right-shot defender they can put on the top pairing. It allows Travis Sanheim to move back to the left side of the blueline, as well.
The Flyers would still need to give Dobson a contract. And this is something they need to work out before pitching any trade to the Islanders. However, this trade proposal fills a need while trading a player that may have reached his peak in Philadelphia.
Islanders Add Top-Six Forward in Dobson Trade Pitch
New York does not get a major haul of picks and players in this deal. What they do get, however, is a top-six forward with his career ahead of him. Tippett may have reached his peak with the Flyers, but he could unlock his potential with the Islanders.
Tippett has performed well over the last three seasons. The 26-year-old has scored 75 goals and 145 points in 232 games since the start of the 2022-23 campaign. His 5.1 Wins Above Replacement in this span is tied with Nick Seeler for the most among Philadelphia skaters, according to Evolving Hockey. His 24.2 Offensive Goals Above Replacement stand alone as the highest among Flyers skaters, though.
Tippett’s $6.2 million cap hit is not a tough pill for the Islanders to swallow, especially with the salary cap rising over the next few seasons. He immediately slots into the top six and has the potential to climb even higher.
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