Islanders Trade Dobson to Canadiens, Draft Eklund and Aitcheson to Kickstart Youth Movement

After months of uncertainty, the New York Islanders resolved the Noah Dobson contract impasse by trading him to the Montreal Canadiens. In return, the Islanders received the 16th and 17th overall picks in the draft, along with Swedish forward Emil Heineman.

Dobson immediately signed an eight-year, $9.5 million annual extension with Montreal. Islanders GM Mathieu Darche described the failed negotiations as amicable but said the sides couldn’t reach common ground, prompting the trade.

Islanders Miss Out on Hagens but Land Two Top Prospects in Draft

Leading up to the draft, the Islanders attempted to package their newly acquired picks to move up and draft Long Island native James Hagens. Despite their efforts, a deal never materialized, and the Bruins selected Hagens at No. 7. Darche confirmed the team’s interest but expressed contentment with the outcome, emphasizing that sometimes things work out for the best.

With the 16th and 17th picks, the Islanders selected two top-rated prospects: Swedish winger Victor Eklund and OHL defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. Both players had been ranked in the top 10 on the Islanders’ internal draft board. Darche expressed excitement that the team was able to secure both players without having to trade up, significantly strengthening the organization’s future talent pipeline.

Dobson Trade Creates Defensive Gap but Strengthens Islanders’ Future with Key Prospects

Dobson’s departure leaves a hole on the right side of the Islanders’ defense. Currently, only Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield have NHL experience as right-handed defensemen, with Adam Boqvist as a potential stopgap. The trade could open the door for a return of Tony DeAngelo as a budget-friendly offensive replacement.

With Dobson’s contract off the books, the Islanders also gain salary cap flexibility to re-sign key restricted free agents like Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Alexander Romanov, and Max Tsyplakov.

Despite missing out on Hagens, the Islanders walked away from the draft with a bolstered farm system. Aitcheson is known for his physical style and offensive output in the OHL, while Eklund is a gritty forechecker with offensive upside despite his smaller frame. Both players expressed gratitude and excitement at being selected, describing the draft moment as a dream come true. The additions mark a turning point for the Islanders’ development pipeline, even as questions remain about the immediate NHL roster.