The Montreal Canadiens' move to bring Noah Dobson into their ranks has proven to be a game-changer. In a significant off-season trade, the Canadiens acquired Dobson from the New York Islanders, sending forward Emil Heineman and two first-round picks from the 2025 NHL Entry Draft-Viktor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson-the other way. This blockbuster deal sparked plenty of buzz across the hockey community.
For a team in need of a star right-shot defenseman, Dobson was the perfect fit. As the 2025-26 season heads into its final stretch, the decision to bring him aboard is looking like a masterstroke for the Habs.
Dobson has delivered exactly what the Canadiens hoped for, and his stats tell the story. Through 57 games with the storied franchise, the 6-foot-4 defenseman has tallied 10 goals, 28 assists, and 38 points, along with a plus-12 rating. His offensive contributions from the blueline have been nothing short of impressive.
Beyond the numbers, Dobson is a cornerstone of the Canadiens' defense. The 26-year-old anchors the top pairing and plays crucial minutes on both the power play and penalty kill. His role as one of the team’s key players was anticipated, and he’s certainly lived up to the expectations.
As the season progresses, Dobson has the opportunity to elevate his game even further. With a chance to surpass his career-high of 13 goals, achieved during his time with the Islanders in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, he’s on the verge of setting new personal bests. Just two more points will see him eclipse last season's total of 39 points in 71 games.
The Canadiens are making strides this season, and Dobson’s presence is a big reason why. Watching him continue to grow in his first year with the team is exciting, and there's no doubt that acquiring him was a savvy move by the Habs.