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Just days before the NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders pulled off one of the biggest trades of the offseason. Defenseman Noah Dobson was dealt to Montreal in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall).
Here’s how both teams fared in the trade:
🔴 Montreal Canadiens: Grade A-
What they get:
D Noah Dobson (Signed: 8 years, $9.5M AAV)
Why it works:
Montreal lands a proven, 25-year-old top-pair defenseman in the prime of his career. Dobson adds stability, power-play skill, and physical presence to a young Habs blue line. He immediately becomes a cornerstone for a rebuilding team ready to turn the corner.
Risks:
Giving up two first-rounders is steep, especially in a deep 2025 draft. But Montreal clearly believes Dobson is worth it—and locked him in long-term.
🔵 New York Islanders: Grade B+
What they get:
F Emil Heineman
2025 1st-round picks (16th & 17th overall)
Why it works:
The Islanders trade from a position of strength, moving Dobson just as contract talks hit a wall. In return, they gain draft capital to reload their prospect pool and acquire Emil Heineman, a 23-year-old winger coming off a 10-goal season.
Upside:
This move gives GM Lou Lamoriello flexibility—he can use those picks to draft future stars or package them in another deal. Heineman also adds energy and scoring depth.
Risks:
Losing Dobson creates a gap on the blue line that will be hard to fill immediately, especially with no guaranteed star coming back.
🏁 Final Verdict
This trade reflects two different timelines:
Montreal is ready to win now and paid a premium for top-tier defence.
The Islanders are reloading smartly without undergoing a complete rebuild.
