Former New York Islanders defenseman and current Montreal Canadiens blue-liner Noah Dobson was asked about rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer.
“I’m watching hockey every night. I check in to see how the guys are doing,” Dobson said to begin his answer. “[Schaefer] has stepped into the league, and it’s looked like a seamless transition from junior. It’s been super impressive. As an 18-year-old defenseman, it’s not an easy league to come into that young. Especially as a defenseman, to see what he’s doing, it’s been great. And obviously, he’s given the team a big boost. So it’s been cool to see for him.”
Dobson broke into the NHL with the Islanders at the age of 19 after being selected 12th overall in 2018. He went through his ups and downs during his development.
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After six seasons on Long Island, Dobson, a pending restricted free agent, was dealt to the Canadiens for the Habs’ 16th and 17th selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, along with forward Emil Heineman.
The Islanders turned those picks into forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
Dobson signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million annually and has 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 57 games this season. Heineman signed a two-year extension worth $1.1 million annually.
Heineman has set career highs in goals with 15 and points with 23, tying his career high with eight assists through 58 games on Long Island.
