NHL Trade Rumors: Noah Dobson Reveals Which Team Is His Preferred Landing Spot
Multiple insiders, including Canadiens' insider Marco D’Amico, confirm that the 25-year-old defenseman has Montreal at the top of his preferred destinations if he's dealt. Though Dobson doesn’t hold a no-trade clause, his leverage lies in extension negotiations, and he can simply refuse to sign long-term anywhere else.
Noah Dobson Reportedly Wants to Join Canadiens in Potential Blockbuster Trade
The Canadiens have already submitted a formal trade offer to the New York Islanders, with defense prospect David Reinbacher believed to be part of the proposed package. Montreal, who badly need a right-shot defenseman, see Dobson as the kind of cornerstone blueliner who could accelerate their rebuild.
Noah Dobson's preference is to land with the Montreal Canadiens, per @mndamico.
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) June 26, 2025
The Canadiens have two first-round picks at this years draft — we'll see how this goes.
Standing 6'4" with offensive upside (70 points in 2023-24), he’s exactly the type of player GM Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have been looking to anchor the team’s future core.
Canadiens Face Competition - But Dobson’s Preference Could Shift Odds
While other suitors like the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Utah Mammoth are circling, Dobson’s desire to land in Montreal could complicate bidding. Any team acquiring him will want a long-term extension in place, and if he’s only willing to sign in Montreal, that may shrink the market significantly.
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche still controls the situation, and there’s no pressure to honor Dobson’s preference, but history shows player leverage can tilt trade dynamics fast.
The #GoHabsGo have Noah Dobson on their radar per @mndamico and @Antho_Martineau 👀
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) June 26, 2025
Thoughts??#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/6belvMrIjR
The Canadiens, armed with two mid-round firsts (Nos. 16 and 17) and a deep prospect pool, have the pieces to make it work. The question now is whether they’ll pull the trigger before another team swoops in or if, like Pierre-Luc Dubois in 2023, Dobson’s Montreal hopes will fade.
Photo Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
