Islanders Defenseman Fuels Maple Leafs Trade Speculation After Switching to Auston Matthews' Agent
The future RFA defenseman Noah Dobson made the news on Wednesday by changing representation and joining Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier who are the same agency that represents Auston Matthews.
The switch's timing among trade rumors and ongoing contract negotiations has fueled speculation about his future with the New York Islanders.
Why is Noah Dobson is making those change right before he's about to become RFA?
Dobson is in the final year of a three-year bridge deal with a $4M cap hit.
After a breakout 70-point season in 2022-23, he and the Islanders' blueline have struggled this year.
Currently sidelined with a lower-body injury, the defenseman remains one of the key piece of New York's defense and team.
However, as Jeff Marek pointed out, when a player changes agents, it often signals dissatisfaction or a desire for a change of scenery.
On The Fan Hockey Show, Elliotte Friedman noted that agent switches typically occur before major contract negotiations.
If the Islanders entertain offers for him then Toronto GM Brad Treliving should be calling to know what they are asking.
Dobson is a rare type of defenseman who is a productive, right-shot, offensive defenseman that has the size to play hard.
With the trade deadline approaching, Dobson's future will be closely watched and the Islanders must decide whether they are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
If they decide to be seller, then a blockbuster trade could be on the way.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 13 | 181 ANSWERS Islanders Defenseman Fuels Maple Leafs Trade Speculation After Switching to Auston Matthews' Agent Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade for Noah Dobson? | ||
| YES | 104 | 57.5 % |
| NO | 77 | 42.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
