It looks like the New York Islanders are shopping Noah Dobson, and it further looks like the Detroit Red Wings are interested in acquiring the blue liner, if Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now gave us the full take. And yes, that would be incredible news for the Wings and their fans.
Could you imagine, if you will, Moritz Seider playing on the same pairing as Dobson? Even if Seider was on the first and Dobson played on the second, that’s two of the better young blueliners in hockey on the ice for over 40 minutes a game combined.
Should Simon Edvinsson enjoy a nice bump in his play next season, then that’s three of the six slots filled up and running strong in the Wings defensive rotation. This is, of course, assuming Edvinsson, who’ll be a restricted free agent in 2026, part of the deal.
Noah Dobson arriving in Hockeytown and wearing the winged wheel would be epic
Does this mean the Wings are deviating from the Yzerplan? I mean, Dobson’s a young player here. And he’s already shown he’s an incredible playmaker, if his 2023-24 numbers are anything to go by. Heck, before he notched just 39 points last season, Dobson capped out at 70 two seasons ago, with 60 assists.
In 2021-22, he finished the year with 51 points, and in 2022-23, he looked nearly as good with 49. That said, his age-25 season was a wash. But you can say the same for the entire 2024-25 New York Islanders.
Not to mention, Dobson’s an expert at getting in front of would-be shots on goal, recording triple digits in each of the past four seasons. Yeah, the Red Wings could’ve used that kind of help last season.
So, as you may’ve already figured out, I more than endorse a Noah Dobson deal, should it come about. And one that shouldn’t have a price tag on it, as long as Marco Kasper’s not involved.
But I’d willingly give up the 13th pick in exchange for Dobson. If you’re a fringe contender like the Wings, a player like Dobson will help you ASAP, while the 13th pick’s not giving you very much early on.
Hoping this speculation transforms into reality
This is the kind of trade Red Wings fans should be asking for. Someone who can put up 60 assists in a single season. Moritz Seider is a good, but not a great playmaker yet, but Dobson’s playmaking has already bordered on elite, even if it didn’t maintain itself.
But like I said, that Isles team looked dysfunctional almost from the outset, so Dobson didn’t have much of a chance. In Detroit, he’d have players like Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat to feed the puck. He’ll also have up-and-comers like Marco Kasper, and even a well-to-do veteran in Patrick Kane.
For someone like Dobson, a change of scenery and a chance to wear the winged wheel could be all he needs to return to form. And imagine what this blue line would look like, assuming they all stick around should this trade occur.
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