Noah Dobson, Islanders Sign Entry Level Contract

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.

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.