You guys bought into nothing so fast. Dobson is a pipedream that our FO isn't capable of realizing.
You need an aggressive management group (Vegas) for this type of move, especially with where we are in the standings.
He's not getting traded. Teams don't trade 70p dmen that are only 25, with RFA status.
And if they do get traded your giving up a player like Johnston, not Stankoven or Bourque.
Let alone getting rid of garbage like Dumba in the same move
How's this for being aggressive?
To Stars - Dobson & Jones (3 mil. retained)
To Islanders - Robertson
To Hawks - Stankoven, Hemming & Dumba
Why the Stars do it: solves the RHD now and in the future. Robertson & Dobson future contracts about equal.
Why the Islanders do it: Log jam on defense, needs a forward who can contribute now.
Why the Hawks do it: chemistry between Bedard & Stankoven at the 2023 WJC. In 7 games:
Bedard 9 goals 14 assists.
Stankoven 3 goals 8 assists.
In my opinion, Robertson & Stankoven are not built for the grind of the playoffs. Lacking in speed and size.
I would try Blumel on the top line with Hintz & Johnston. The drop off is worth the upgrade on defense.
With the defense looking like:
Heiskanen - Dobson
Harley - Jones
Lindell - Lyubushkin/Ceci
I would try Bichsel at 4th line winger. You need size in the playoffs, and I love the thought of Bichsel softening up the opposing defense over a 7 game series. He could be our version of the Hawks (2009-2010) Dustin Byfuglien. A hybrid defenseman/forward, and larger body near the net. I would send him down and play him at forward, and call him up in early April.