The Islanders have begun their rebuild under new general manager Mathieu Darche.
According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, New York has sent top-pair defenseman Noah Dobson to the Canadiens as part of a sign-and-trade, with Dobson inking an eight-year contract extension with Montreal in the process. The annual cap hit will reportedly be $9.5 million.
Per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Isles bring back youngster Emil Heineman, a left winger, as well as both of Montreal’s first-round picks in exchange for Dobson. That gives New York the No. 1, 16, and 17 picks in the first round.
Dobson’s future on Long Island has been a consistent question in recent years, and the pending restricted free agent was ultimately moved so Darche and company can turn the page to the next era of Islanders hockey.
The 25-year-old had a down year this past season, but he has proven to be an offensive force from the blue line, posting 70 points during the 2023-24 campaign after averaging 50 points a season in the previous two.
In his six NHL seasons, the former 12th overall pick compiled 50 goals and 180 assists as an Islander, but he was a -16 last season, easily the worst mark of his career.
Now armed with two more picks inside the top 20, the Islanders could try and move up to gain another top-10 pick, which would open the door to drafting hyped Long Island prospect James Hagens in addition to Matthew Schaefer, who many expect to be taken with the first pick.