The Detroit Red Wings appear ready to make bold moves this offseason as they aim to break their nine-year playoff absence.
A trade scenario proposed by Heavy.com suggests Detroit could land defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in a blockbuster deal.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings receive:
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Noah Dobson
Islanders receive:
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J.T. Compher
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Jonatan Berggren
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Nate Danielson
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Max Plante
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2025 first-round pick (13th overall)
This would be a significant trade, as Detroit would part with two NHL players, two promising prospects, and a high first-round pick to land Dobson. While the cost is steep, the move would substantially improve Detroit’s playoff chances.
Dobson, a 25-year-old pending restricted free agent taken 12th overall in 2018, has top-pairing potential. He posted 10 goals and 29 assists (39 points) in 71 games last season and could immediately strengthen Detroit’s blue line.
On the outgoing side, Detroit would shed Compher’s contract—part of a cap-clearing move—as they reportedly look to move on from him. With the Islanders potentially moving on from Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Compher might serve as a suitable replacement.
Berggren, also an RFA, has yet to establish himself in Detroit and might benefit from a fresh start. He tallied 12 goals and 12 assists in 75 games this past season.
The deal would also send 2023 ninth overall pick Nate Danielson, who projects as a middle-six forward, and 2024 second-rounder Max Plante, currently playing NCAA hockey at Minnesota-Duluth.
Addressing a Blue Line Need
Detroit has a clear need for another top-four defenseman. Aside from Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, the Red Wings lack depth in that area. Although top prospect Axel Sandin-Pelikka is on the way, he may need more development time. Acquiring Dobson would immediately fill that gap.
Detroit has reportedly expressed interest in Dobson, per Bob Duff of DetroitHockeyNow.
Meanwhile, the Islanders have been exploring trade options for Dobson ahead of the NHL Draft, partly due to the potential $10+ million annual salary he could command.
Dobson’s Trade Value Drawing League Attention
According to NHL insiders like Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) and Frank Seravalli (DailyFaceoff), Dobson is being shopped. Seravalli included him on his trade bait board, noting the difficult decision facing new Islanders GM Mathieu Darche.
With Dobson reportedly seeking $11 million per year initially—though the final figure is expected to be lower—the Islanders face a tough call. Dobson, a high-minute, offensively gifted defenseman, has played 388 NHL games, recording 50 goals and 180 assists for 230 points.
