An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Islanders Sign Dobson to 3 Year ELC


Defensemen, Noah Dobson has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders today.


The Isles 1st round, 12th overall selection in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft had 69 points (17 & 52 – team high) in 67 games during his second season with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL, and was nominated for the Emile Bouchard Trophy for the league’s best Defensemen. Dobson's 69 points was good enough second most on the team and his (3 & 10) 13 points helped Acadie-Bathurst win the QMJHL Title & first Memorial Cup title in franchise history. He was named to both the QMJHL and CHL Memorial Cup All-Star teams.


"On a big stage like that you have a lot of adrenaline and extra drive to perform well and obviously there's a lot of eyes on you," Dobson said. "I knew I was playing good hockey in the playoffs and my last round was probably my best round. I wanted to build off that and I played my best hockey of the year at the Memorial Cup."


Per NHL.com on Dobson for Team Canada, World Junior Summer Showcase, “The 18-year-old showed poise and skill that belie his age. In his first time competing at the U-20 level he had little problem excelling at both ends of the ice. He scored two goals in Canada's 4-3 overtime win against Sweden,and had three in two games.

He doesn't play like a 2000 (born player), he plays like a 1999," (Tim) Hunter said. "He's got composure, he's got confidence, he's a big guy (6-foot-3, 180 pounds), he's got presence on the ice. That's going to bode well for giving him an opportunity to play on this team come December."


The 6’3, 177# D-Man, Dobson was projected to be a top 10 pick in this summer’s draft and obviously made an impression at Isles mini-camp in June. "He's a really heady defenseman," said Bridgeport Sound Tigers Head Coach Brent Thompson, who was running the daily skates. "He asks some really good questions out there and made good points. His feet are good, big body." Per release, “The Summerside, Prince Edward Island native has a total 95 points (24 goals, 71 assists) in 130 career QMJHL games.”


Islander’s General Manager, Lou Lamoriello said, “The defenseman from Quebec, Dobson, has so much upside as far as skill and offense. I don't think we could be more delighted." The defender has a shot to make some noise in the Isles system and maybe fight for a call up.


Dobson is on the clock.





Isles Notes:



The Islanders play one nationally-televised game against the Blackhawks on Thursday, Jan. 3 on NBCSN at 7:30 p.m. at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.


Per Mike Morreale, “WJSS update: RW prospect Oliver Wahlstrom told me he will not attend @NYIslanders training camp in Sept and instead report to Boston College for his freshman season.”

Per Chris Peters, “Oliver Wahlstrom (NYI) has had a very quiet camp so far. Not getting his shots like normal and hasn't looked as crisp. Asked Mike Hastings (US program) his thoughts: He's not concerned. Wants Wahlstrom to just stick with it. He still has a lot of confidence in him to produce for this team.”


Per Rob Taub, “Stan Fischler reveals on the #PTIsles Podcast that Barry Trotz spoke about Josh Ho-Sang more than any other player on the roster. “The player has to meet the coach halfway, and vice versa. Trotz knows he (Josh) is an electrifying player.”




Mark Hunter returns to role as GM of OHL’s Knights.




NHL Notes:


NHL pre-season schedue.

Notable Isles games:

Sunday, 9/16   NY Islanders vs. Philadelphia, at Uniondale, N.Y. (NYCB Live/Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum), 1 p.m.


Saturday, 9/22   NY Islanders vs. NY Rangers, at Bridgeport, Conn. (Webster Bank Arena), 7 p.m.