In today’s rendition of 32 Thoughts with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the podcast host reports that the New York Islanders are quietly testing the market for defenseman Noah Dobson. Friedman believes the Islanders aren’t ready to move him yet, but are simply conducting their due diligence in case he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
Dobson’s projected market value is hard to ascertain. After scoring 10 goals and 70 points in 79 games, averaging 24:31 of ice time per night, and finishing eighth in Norris Trophy voting in the 2023-24 season, Dobson’s play collapsed in 2024-25, largely due to injuries. He’s entering restricted free agency on the heels of a 10-goal, 39-point campaign and is only a year away from unrestricted free agency.
According to Friedman, the Islanders believe that if Dobson can replicate his performance from 2023-24, he’ll command an AAV of more than $10MM per year on his next deal, and that may not be something they’re willing to do. The likelihood of him being traded remains low, but the fact that the Islanders are open to hearing offers is a significant change in their approach from the regular season.
Other notes regarding a few more RFAs:
- With a boatload of cap space, the Toronto Maple Leafs need not worry about a Matthew Knies offer sheet this summer. Still, they will want to sign the deal soon to understand their financial flexibility during the summer months. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that there is no consensus on the progress of the negotiations. One side believes a deal is close, while the other side indicates that it is not. Unfortunately, he did not specify which side holds each perspective. Regardless, it appears that the final deal should fall in the three-to-five-year range.
- Although all eyes are on the status of restricted free agent defenseman K’Andre Miller, the New York Rangers have another quality RFA to worry about. According to a new article by Peter Baugh in The Athletic, the Rangers have initiated talks with Will Cuylle, and both parties are interested in a contract extension. Baugh expects the Rangers and Cuylle to agree on a three-year, $10MM contract (or near it), which would allow them to optimize their salary cap this offseason while also establishing a multi-year commitment.
Gauge the market on Dobson, And extend Palmieri, Really? That’s the plan?
Palmeri was easy to sign. It was a short deal and a limited amount of money as he is towards the end of his career. Dobson is not.
Palmieri was an irresponsible signing. Good lord!
Another great point Wilf. No team needs a guy who has scored 54 goals over the last two seasons, especially those explosive Islanders. Great to have you back and back with a vengeance!
How are you “quietly” doing it? Word got out so obviously it wasn’t quiet. Now everyone knows. Great job Elliotte.
Dobson a good ol Summerside boy I think should be worth around 7.5 million a season. I would imagine that he can be a 60 pt/season dman over that contract period.
Cuylle should be Rangers first order of business
Signing wise
Next keep freeing that $$$ up Zibanejad next to go.. if someone bites on Breadman early let him go to, then we have big money
Isles need to unload Dobson to San Jose or Chicago for their number 2 or 3 pick. Draft Schafer and Misa save 10 million yr an use 1.5 mil to sign DAngelo and use the additional savings from not paying Dobson 10mill yr to go after Ehlers