When the Montreal Canadiens pulled the trigger on the Noah Dobson trade, it was one of those moves that instantly brought a lot of expectations. Big assets going out, a massive contract coming in, and expectations that were sky-high from day one. Now that Dobson has settled into his first half of a season in Montreal, it’s worth taking a step back and evaluating the impact he has had on the Canadiens’ blue line.
The Trade That Changed the Blue Line
The deal itself was bold and unapologetic. Montreal acquired Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, 16th and 17th overall. Those selections later turned into Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, two prospects with very different profiles but clear long-term upside.
From the Canadiens’ perspective, this was a win-now meets long-term vision move. Heineman was a useful young forward with energy and secondary scoring potential, but he was never projected as a core piece. The two mid-first-round picks, while valuable, were leveraged to acquire something much harder to find, a proven, top-pair, right-shot defenceman not even in his prime yet.
Noah Dobson, Montreal Canadiens (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
Shortly after the trade, Montreal doubled down by signing Dobson to an eight-year contract worth $9.5 million per season. That number raised eyebrows immediately. It’s franchise-defenceman money, and it came with the expectation that Dobson would not just be good, but great. The Canadiens weren’t acquiring a project or a stopgap. They were betting on Dobson being a pillar of their blue line for the better part of a decade.
Dobson’s Season in Numbers
From a purely statistical standpoint, Dobson’s first season in Montreal has been solid. Through 55 games, he has posted 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points. Among Canadiens defencemen, he leads the group in goals and sits second in assists and total points, trailing only Lane Hutson. That alone speaks to the offensive responsibility placed on him and his ability to contribute consistently.
Dobson is averaging 22:42 of ice time per game, ranking third among Montreal defencemen. That number is telling. While he’s not being leaned on as the single workhorse every night, he’s firmly in the top tier of the rotation and trusted in all key situations. His plus-10 rating also stands out on a team that has had its ups and downs defensively, suggesting that when Dobson is on the ice, the Canadiens are generally on the right side of the ledger.
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The numbers don’t scream 70-point defenceman, but they do reflect a reliable, productive presence who moves the puck well, contributes offensively, and doesn’t sink the team defensively.
Measuring the Real Impact
Statistics only tell part of the story, especially for a defenceman like Dobson. His real value lies in what he’s brought to the structure of Montreal’s blue line. Paired most often with Mike Matheson, Dobson has provided much-needed stability. The pairing blends Matheson’s skating and puck-carrying with Dobson’s poise and passing, giving the Canadiens a duo that can handle tough minutes while still driving offence. That balance has been crucial, particularly on a blue line that also features younger, more offensively inclined players like Hutson.
Offensively, Dobson has been exactly what Montreal hoped for, a calm presence who can run things offensively, make the first pass cleanly, and jump into the rush when the opportunity presents itself. His shot from the point has added another dimension to the Canadiens’ attack, and his ability to read plays has helped sustain offensive zone time.
Defensively, there’s still room for growth. Dobson has been good in his own zone, but not dominant. At times, you’d like to see him assert himself more physically or shut plays down earlier. That said, his positioning and stick work are generally sound, and he rarely looks overwhelmed against top competition.
Context matters here. Dobson arrived with massive expectations: a former 70-point defenceman, acquired for two first-round picks, and immediately signed to a $9.5 million per year deal. Measured against that standard, his season might feel underwhelming to some. But strip away the contract and the price paid, and what you’re left with is a top-pair defenceman who has made the Canadiens better.
In the end, the Dobson trade wasn’t about instant domination; it was about securing a long-term cornerstone on the blue line. One season in, that bet looks reasonable. Not flawless, not spectacular, but undeniably valuable. And for Montreal, stability and reliability on defence have been worth the price of admission.
