June 26, 2025 | 12:55pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
ISLANDERS WEIGHING ALL OPTIONS ON DOBSON
Getty Images
Noah Dobson, defenceman
The New York Islanders are evaluating all their options when it comes with young star defenceman Noah Dobson, who is eligible to become a restricted free agent July 1.
Dobson, 25, is on an expiring three-year, $12 million contract and is believed to be asking for as much as $11 million per year on his next contract, depending on term.
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche is engaged in ongoing contract negotiations with Dobson’s camp and the preference is to get a deal done, but multiple sources have told TFP the club is still exploring alternative options via the trade market.
Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in Dobson, including the Utah Mammoth, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks, and trade discussions will continue until either Dobson signs a new deal with the Isles or Darche decides to pull the trigger on a deal he deems acceptable.
With around $21 million in salary cap space going into the 2025-26 campaign, the Islanders do have cap flexibility, but Darche is also trying to create some additional breathing room.
The Islanders are also talking to teams about centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who is entering the final year of his contract and comes with a $5 million cap hit.
Pageau also owns a 16-team no-trade list as part of his contract and has a say in where he ends up, if dealt.
In 79 games with the Islanders this past season, Pageau registered 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 points, while Dobson collected 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 71 games.