Player Discussion: Noah Dobson

[PWJunior]

The pessimist in me is worried about how much statistical progression Dobson actually has remaining.

Only 20 defensemen scored 50+ points last year, and it’s not like puck skills are a huge part of Dobson’s game. Any serious progression in points is going to come from surrounding him with a better team in my opinion.

If you notice the late goals in the season, Dobson was much more aggressive and scoring goals closer to the net than earlier in the season - most of his goals were just getting the shot on net and good things happening. The Buffalo goal was a coast to coast, the Montreal goal was a sweet little move and snipe from close in, the Edmonton snipe, and his last goal against Washington was much closer in than his earlier goals. I think he will expand his offensive game (including handling the puck more) this season as he left off last year.

I would be very happy with another 50-plus season, 60 would be gravy. I expect a stronger and better defensive player, his offense is already there. When I say he will beast, his complete game will be much stronger with hopefully a marginal improvement offensively due to increased confidence and maturity.

 

[mm11]

The one question I have with this kid is does he have the burning desire to be a great NHL defenseman? Does he want to be top 10 or top 50? It seems like Lou wants Dobson to show us. He looks like a mellow kid and could be satisfied just being good. Inquiring minds want to know. Do hope Dobson becomes the top 10 guy. Certainly could use it on the island.

 

[Throttle]

If you notice the late goals in the season, Dobson was much more aggressive and scoring goals closer to the net than earlier in the season - most of his goals were just getting the shot on net and good things happening. The Buffalo goal was a coast to coast, the Montreal goal was a sweet little move and snipe from close in, the Edmonton snipe, and his last goal against Washington was much closer in than his earlier goals. I think he will expand his offensive game (including handling the puck more) this season as he left off last year.

I would be very happy with another 50-plus season, 60 would be gravy. I expect a stronger and better defensive player, his offense is already there. When I say he will beast, his complete game will be much stronger with hopefully a marginal improvement offensively due to increased confidence and maturity.

He was a bit of a mess in the first 25 games, he struggled with the added ice time and responsibility. That’s fine. He gained composure after the new year and started to demonstrate maybe what he really is.

To his credit, he wasn’t put in a great spot with having to fill the absence of Leddy, the other injuries, and a slower D of Chara and Greene. If you consider that, and look at the second half of the season, he’s got growing to do for sure, but he looks like he’s adjusted and can now focus on becoming whatever he may be.

 

[PWJunior]

He was a bit of a mess in the first 25 games, he struggled with the added ice time and responsibility. That’s fine. He gained composure after the new year and started to demonstrate maybe what he really is.

To his credit, he wasn’t put in a great spot with having to fill the absence of Leddy, the other injuries, and a slower D of Chara and Greene. If you consider that, and look at the second half of the season, he’s got growing to do for sure, but he looks like he’s adjusted and can now focus on becoming whatever he may be.

Agreed, Dobson's Water of Life transformation during his benching made all the difference. The Sleeper has awakened...

 

[Mike C]

Agreed, Dobson's Water of Life transformation during his benching made all the difference. The Sleeper has awakened...

He really did come back a different player very unlike Beauvillier. Is mental toughness the issue??

I give Wally a pass for right now because his effort was always there and his physical game improved the last 25-30 games. With Wally the issue might be instinct and IQ vs mental fortitude.

In fairness to Beau, maybe being a whipping boy took it's toll and the new voice will make a difference

 

[TJHKY]

 

[impaaaaaact]

He's also averaging 2 giveaways a game... Romanov is averaging 3. They're adding offense for sure but they really need to clean up their puck possession if we want the offensive contributions to outweigh the defensive lapses

 

[seafoam]

He's also averaging 2 giveaways a game... Romanov is averaging 3. They're adding offense for sure but they really need to clean up their puck possession if we want the offensive contributions to outweigh the defensive lapses

I'm still wondering if putting Dobson with Pelech and Romanov with Pulock would be viable.

 

[impaaaaaact]

I'm still wondering if putting Dobson with Pelech and Romanov with Pulock would be viable.

Aside from the "if it ain't broke" thought process regarding Pelech and Pulock I don't understand why they wouldn't try it. FWIW Dobson and Romanov are leading the team in ice time so far this year

 

[saintunspecified]

Aside from the "if it ain't broke" thought process regarding Pelech and Pulock I don't understand why they wouldn't try it. FWIW Dobson and Romanov are leading the team in ice time so far this year

One reason is 'pace of play', and another is chemistry. Pelech & Pulock developed into a great pairing by making deliberate plays. Otoh Romanov steps up, and Dobson pushes the puck. Pulock has, imo, become such a better defender by molding his game to Pelech's. I think that their chemistry is so good, and so practiced, that it would take one heck of a compelling reason to break it up.

I hope Lambert has patience with Dobson/Romanov, and I think you're absolutely right about the growing pains.

I'd also like to see Romanov hit the net lol. Him + Pulock together woudl scare the heck out of the end glass.

 

[impaaaaaact]

One reason is 'pace of play', and another is chemistry. Pelech & Pulock developed into a great pairing by making deliberate plays. Otoh Romanov steps up, and Dobson pushes the puck. Pulock has, imo, become such a better defender by molding his game to Pelech's. I think that their chemistry is so good, and so practiced, that it would take one heck of a compelling reason to break it up.

I hope Lambert has patience with Dobson/Romanov, and I think you're absolutely right about the growing pains.

I'd also like to see Romanov hit the net lol. Him + Pulock together woudl scare the heck out of the end glass.

Romanov will literally hit anything BUT the net

 

[TJHKY]

He's also averaging 2 giveaways a game... Romanov is averaging 3. They're adding offense for sure but they really need to clean up their puck possession if we want the offensive contributions to outweigh the defensive lapses

Will take time to grow. They are all young defenders.

 

[leeroggy]

The one question I have with this kid is does he have the burning desire to be a great NHL defenseman? Does he want to be top 10 or top 50? It seems like Lou wants Dobson to show us. He looks like a mellow kid and could be satisfied just being good. Inquiring minds want to know. Do hope Dobson becomes the top 10 guy. Certainly could use it on the island.

You don't win two consecutive Memorial Cup MVP's if you aren't burning inside

 

[Seph]

You don't win two consecutive Memorial Cup MVP's if you aren't burning inside

Probably true, but the only player to have ever done that is Taylor Hall. In Dobson's two Memorial Cup runs, Sam Steel won tournament MVP the first year and Joel Teasdale won the 2nd. Dobson did win QMJHL playoffs MVP in the 2nd run, though, which is probably what you were thinking of.

Either way, still agree that Dobson's upside is massive.

 

[seafoam]

Usually the burning desire question is reserved for players who don't shoot the puck nearly enough or are soft.

Dobson is continually one of the team's leaders in shots on goal since becoming a full time NHLer and while physicality is not a part of his game, I wouldn't call him soft.

 

[MarsTBOW]

I remember saying that I thought he would be a Beast. He reminded me of Chris Pronger when he was a Rookie with Hartford. Shot always hit the net, has instincts you cannot teach. I also remember people on this board saying that we must Dump him after his slow start last year LMFAO!!!! I won't say who...

 

[NC 1972]

I remember saying that I thought he would be a Beast. He reminded me of Chris Pronger when he was a Rookie with Hartford. Shot always hit the net, has instincts you cannot teach. I also remember people on this board saying that we must Dump him after his slow start last year LMFAO!!!! I won't say who...

If you are drafted by the NYI and aren't a start in the NHL by your second season you are labeled a bust on this board!

 

[seafoam]

Noah’s a Xx_Sh0txSt4r_xX

 

[seafoam]

But on a serious note, I love how willing Dobson is to put pucks on net. And he gets them through more than any other defenseman on the team to boot. Huge when you have guys like Lee, Parise, Palmieri, Martin, etc that crash the net at will.

 

[PWJunior]

Dobson owns Alberta in OT. First he takes down Edmonton last year, takes down Calgary this year.

The kid is really emerging and it's beautiful to see. Comes up big in clutch situations, a great sign. He may seem reserved, but you can see that burning desire to be a difference maker the more you watch him play.

I did see stardom in him even before we drafted him so I am awesome!

 

[MattMartin]

Dobson owns Alberta in OT. First he takes down Edmonton last year, takes down Calgary this year.

The kid is really emerging and it's beautiful to see. Comes up big in clutch situations, a great sign. He may seem reserved, but you can see that burning desire to be a difference maker the more you watch him play.

I did see stardom in him even before we drafted him so I am awesome!

1	9	NY Rangers	Vitali Kravtsov	R	Chelyabinsk Traktor [KHL]	24	2	2	4
1	10	Edmonton	Evan Bouchard	D	London Knights [OHL]	114	15	39	54
1	11	NY Islanders	Oliver Wahlstrom	R	U.S. National Under-18 Team [USHL]	137	29	23	52
1	12	NY Islanders	Noah Dobson	D	Acadie-Bathurst Titan [QMJHL]	172	20	60	80

 

[Mike C]

1	9	NY Rangers	Vitali Kravtsov	R	Chelyabinsk Traktor [KHL]	24	2	2	4
1	10	Edmonton	Evan Bouchard	D	London Knights [OHL]	114	15	39	54
1	11	NY Islanders	Oliver Wahlstrom	R	U.S. National Under-18 Team [USHL]	137	29	23	52
1	12	NY Islanders	Noah Dobson	D	Acadie-Bathurst Titan [QMJHL]	172	20	60	80

Way to be!!

 

[BelovedIsles]

Dobson has worked on his shot over the past 1.5 years. It's a legit threat now, and can open up passing lanes, which he reads so well and utilizes. He can burn you with the shot, or the cerebral pass.

 

[WangMustGo]

Dobson has worked on his shot over the past 1.5 years. It's a legit threat now, and can open up passing lanes, which he reads so well and utilizes. He can burn you with the shot, or the cerebral pass.

Dobson has a unique ability to get the puck on net regularly from the blueline through traffic. Very few defenseman are able to do it. Its something Nick Lidstrom did regularly, and he get so many assists and goals because of it.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Dobson is Barzal’s best winger Barzal.