/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60819705/981560498.jpg.0.jpg)
The New York Islanders announced on Monday that Noah Dobson has agreed to terms on his three-year, entry level contract.
Dobson was their second first-round pick (12th overall) in this summer’s draft, immediately after the Isles picked forward Oliver Wahlstrom at 11th overall.
Unlike NCAA-bound Wahlstrom (Boston College), Dobson has been playing in Canadian juniors with Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL, which means signing his ELC could allow him to get some NHL games in this coming season. Building on his draft buzz, Dobson left a good impression with Canada at last year’s U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament and at this summer’s World Junior Showcase. (Ed.: Sorry, mixed those two occasions up in the original post.)
So while you shouldn’t pencil him into the Islanders lineup this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get a long look during training camp, and if injuries or other circumstances warrant, don’t rule out the possibility of him getting a look during the regular season.
Defenseman won Memorial Cup with Acadie-Bathurst last season. Said during summer prospect development camp it was going to be his job to make it a tough decision on #Isles brass to return him to juniors this season. https://t.co/pzzFfVmb5j
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) August 13, 2018
As a reminder, prospects in juniors can play in nine NHL regular season games in a given season and still be returned to their junior team without it “burning” a year of their entry level contract. Regardless, if Dobson ends up being assigned to his junior team then or any time before that, the start of his three-year ELC would “slide” one year forward.
Excited an honoured to have signed my first NHL contract with the @NYIslanders. Can’t thank my family, friends , coaches, teammates, @maloneythompson and everyone else whose helped me get to where I am today #grateful
— Noah Dobson (@_ND53) August 13, 2018