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NHL Rumours: Montreal Canadiens Trying to Acquire Star Defenceman

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Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew at Last Word on Hockey. It’s draft day, and young players from all over the world are about to have their dreams come true by being drafted into the world’s top professional hockey league. But the draft doesn’t just bring excitement for the players getting drafted. It brings tons of trades and trade rumours as teams try to build contenders. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we focus on the bombshell rumour of the Canadiens being interested in adding Noah Dobson.

All NHL rumours come from their original source and are subject to change. 

NHL Rumours: Habs Looking to Add Star Right-Shot Defenceman

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Rumour: Chris Johnston mentioned on TSN’s Insider Trading that the Islanders are shopping Noah Dobson. The Montreal Canadiens are very interested in adding the right-shot defender.

Analysis: This would be a major grab for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. Dobson is one of the premier defenders in the league. With the Habs’ need for a right-shot defender, his availability could not have come at a better time. Though they do have up-and-coming prospects Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher who could fill the need, there’s no guarantee either of them will end up being the same calibre as Dobson. With a plethora of picks and prospects available at their fingertips, including two first-rounders this year, it makes complete sense for Kent Hughes to make a big move.

The Cost to Land Dobson

While the exact pieces to land Dobson specifically is unknown, the cost of what it will take to sign him is reportedly north of $10 million. This was tweeted by Andy Strickland on June 26th. We need to remind you that this is just what the player has asked for. Not what either club trying to acquire his services has offered him. While $10 million may seem like a steep ask, as in today’s current cap world, it would be considered 11.3% of the cap. However, with the rumours of the new CBA stating the cap could be around $113.5 million in the 2027-28 season, that would now only be 8.8% of the cap for that season. Which is today’s world, is the equivalent of a $7.74 million contract. Which is more than fair for the calibre of player you’re getting in Noah Dobson.

What the Canadiens Would be Getting in Dobson

Dobson had a down year in terms of points last season, scoring 10 goals and 39 points in 71 games. A far cry from his 10 goals and 70 points in 79 games the year prior. Statistically, it was his worst season since entering the league as a full-time player. However, in the advanced stats world, Dobson was still outstanding. His xGF/60 would have ranked him number one amongst defencemen on the Canadiens roster at 3.89, and his xGA/60 would have also ranked him number one on the Canadiens at 2.82. That to go along with a CF/60 of 67.66, which again, would have ranked him number one on the Canadiens roster amongst defencemen.

Dobson is elite in all aspects of the game. He has elite skating and mobility to go along with outstanding vision and hockey IQ. He would instantly be the club’s top defender on the right side. He’s a minute eater, averaging 23:16 minutes of ice time per game last season and can play in all situations. He would be the perfect addition to play next to Kaiden Guhle or Lane Hutson next season. This would put the Canadiens one step closer to becoming a consistent Stanley Cup contender.

Main Photo: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

 

 

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