Report: Islanders trade Dobson to Canadiens, inks 8-year extension

The New York Islanders are trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The Islanders will receive forward Emil Heineman and both of Montreal's first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 17) in Friday's draft, according to Friedman.

Dobson is planning to sign an eight-year extension with an annual average value of $9.5 million with the Canadiens, adds Friedman. The 25-year-old entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, and rumors about his availability heated up Thursday as the Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly heavily pursued him.

The Islanders hold the draft's top pick and are widely expected to select phenom defenseman Matthew Schaefer. New York is aiming to use the picks it acquired to move up and draft local product James Hagens, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli. Hagens is Central Scouting's third-ranked North American prospect, and is projected to be chosen in the top 10.

Drafted 12th overall in 2018 by the Islanders, Dobson broke into the league in 2019-20. He finished eighth in Norris Trophy voting in 2024 after a career-high 70 points, but regressed to 39 points this past season.

Dobson's arrival in Montreal gives the Canadiens two pillars on defense, along with reigning rookie of the year Lane Hutson. Montreal qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2021 this spring.

The trade puts the Canadiens approximately $3.39 million over next year's salary cap, but Montreal can place Carey Price's $10.5-million cap hit on long-term injured reserve at any point to become compliant.

Trading Dobson is the first major move of Mathieu Darche's tenure as Islanders general manager. New York hired Darche earlier this offseason after opting against renewing Lou Lamoriello's contract.