According to The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner, the Vancouver Canucks have high interest in New York Islanders defenceman Noah Dobson as a part of a deal that would involve one of Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller.
Rosner’s latest piece for the Hockey News mostly discussed the recent issues that have come up with the Canucks, Pettersson and Miller and whether or not the Islanders would have any interest in a deal. The two clubs had already made a trade involving players of this calibre two years ago when Vancouver traded former captain Bo Horvat to the Isles.
However, he snuck in the most interesting detail right at the very end when talking about who the Isles would have to give up in return for Pettersson and Miller.
“The conversation starts with what the Canucks would be looking for.
“If Mathew Barzal is part of the conversation, Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello should click ‘end call.’
“Letting Barzal go and bringing in Pettersson fills a hole but creates another.
“Per industry sources, pending restricted free agent Noah Dobson is high on the Canucks list if the Islanders elect to move the 24-year-old.”
Should Dobson be a part of the return for either Canucks’ centre, that would be a huge add for them, especially considering the current state of their blueline. The current injuries to Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek have made it apparent that Vancouver needs more puck-movers on their blueline, and Dobson would certainly fit the bill.
Dobson has struggled this season compared to last, recording just five goals, 15 assists, and 20 points in 39 games. However, much of that can be attributed to the Islanders’ overall offensive struggles. The 24-year-old had 70 points in 79 games in the 2023-24 season.
Both the Canucks and Islanders will have until March 7th before the Trade Deadline to find out if there is a deal to be made here between the two clubs.