When the Montreal Canadiens swung the deal to bring in Noah Dobson, they didn’t just make a trade-they made a statement. This was a bold, franchise-shaping move that sent two first-round picks and a promising young forward to the Islanders in exchange for a 24-year-old, right-shot defenseman with top-pairing pedigree.
And not long after, they doubled down with an eight-year, $9.5 million per year commitment. That’s not just investment-that’s belief.
Now, more than halfway through Dobson’s first season in Montreal, we’ve got a real sample size to evaluate what he’s brought to the table. And while the numbers don’t jump off the page in neon lights, the impact has been steady, substantial, and exactly the kind of foundational presence the Canadiens were banking on.
The Trade That Reshaped Montreal’s Defense
Let’s rewind to the deal itself. Montreal sent Emil Heineman and two mid-first-round picks in the 2025 draft-16th and 17th overall-to the Islanders.
Those picks eventually turned into Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, two intriguing prospects with upside, but neither a sure thing. Heineman, meanwhile, was a solid young forward but not projected to be a cornerstone.
In return, the Canadiens landed something far more difficult to find: a proven, top-pair, right-handed defenseman with room to grow. That’s a premium asset in today’s NHL. And Montreal didn’t hesitate to pay the premium, locking Dobson up long-term with a deal that signaled loud and clear-they view him as a foundational piece, not a stopgap.
Steady Production, Subtle Value
Through 55 games, Dobson has put up 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points. That puts him at the top of the Canadiens’ blue line in goals and second in assists and total points, trailing only Lane Hutson. He’s not leading the league in scoring from the back end, but he’s producing at a solid clip, and more importantly, he’s doing it consistently.
He’s logging 22:42 of ice time per night, good for third among Canadiens defensemen. That tells you he’s not being completely overloaded, but he’s trusted in all the key situations-five-on-five, power play, penalty kill.
And his plus-10 rating stands out on a team that’s had its share of defensive growing pains. When Dobson’s on the ice, the Canadiens tend to be on the right side of the puck.
He’s not putting up 70-point seasons like he did in New York, but that’s not the only way to measure his value. What he’s brought to Montreal is structure.
Stability. A calm, composed presence who can move the puck, quarterback a power play, and handle tough minutes without looking overwhelmed.
The Chemistry with Matheson
Dobson has spent most of his minutes paired with Mike Matheson, and the chemistry between the two has been a key part of Montreal’s defensive structure. Matheson brings the wheels and the puck-carrying ability, while Dobson adds poise, vision, and a steady first pass. Together, they’ve formed a pairing that can eat up tough minutes and still push play the other way.
That balance has been especially important for a Canadiens blue line that also features younger, more offensively tilted players like Hutson. Dobson’s presence allows those guys to play their game without leaving the team exposed.
Offensively, he’s doing what Montreal hoped he would-running point on the power play, making smart reads, jumping into the rush when the moment’s right, and adding a legitimate shooting threat from the blue line. His ability to sustain zone time and keep plays alive has quietly been one of the team’s more consistent offensive engines.
Still Room to Grow
Defensively, Dobson has been solid, if not dominant. He’s not the kind of shutdown presence who’s going to erase the other team’s top line every night, but he rarely looks out of place.
His stick work is smart, his positioning is reliable, and he doesn’t panic under pressure. That said, there are still moments where you’d like to see him impose himself physically or close out plays a little quicker.
But context matters here. Dobson came in with a lot of weight on his shoulders-a big trade, a big contract, and big expectations.
And while he hasn’t completely transformed the Canadiens’ blue line overnight, he’s made them better. More balanced.
More dependable.
A Long-Term Play That’s Starting to Pay Off
This wasn’t a rental. This wasn’t a gamble on potential.
This was a calculated move to secure a top-pair defenseman who could anchor the Canadiens’ blue line for years to come. And so far, that bet looks like a smart one.
No, he hasn’t been perfect. But he’s been what Montreal needed: a steady, reliable, high-end defenseman who can handle big minutes and play in all situations.
That kind of player doesn’t come cheap, and it doesn’t always show up in highlight reels. But it shows up in results.
And for a team still building toward something bigger, that kind of stability is worth every bit of the price they paid.