trim_14028474-D033-4FF6-B654-3A09671C9AFC New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] defenseman Noah Dobson has not made Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off squad, and that's not a bad thing for the 24-year-old. There's no question that the Prince Edwards Island blueliner is a talented individual. No one accidentally records a 70-point NHL season, scoring 10 goals with 60 assists a year ago. But, to play in one of these tournaments, a player has to be a well-rounded defenseman, something that Dobson is trying to become. He just isn't there yet. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMTgzMzUyOTY1NzY5MTc1/usatsi_24913041.jpg] Dobson's offensive numbers this season have left much to be desired, with just one goal via an empty net and 10 assists in 26 games. There's no question Mathew Barzal's absence has hurt his offensive output, but the concern is on the defensive side of the puck, where his late-game blunders have contributed to the Islanders' current inability to hold down a playoff spot. The analytics will tell you that he hasn't been as bad defensively as you see online, and that seems fair. He hasn't skated the puck up enough, but it's clear that he's trying to be more of a two-way defenseman and not just offensive-based. It's just been a work in progress. Team Canada's head coach, Jon Cooper, and general manager, Don Sweeney, were looking for physicality and grittiness in defense, particularly the bottom pairing. That's not Dobson's game, and that's okay. And it's also important that Dobson, who is averaging 24:25 minutes per game, gets some mental and physical rest when the tournament begins on Feb. 12. It wasn't guaranteed that Dobson would make this team even if he continued to show the offensive game we saw a year ago. Team Canada's offensive weapon is Cale Makar, with Shea Theodore bringing his finesse and shot to the blue line as well. This isn't an All-Star Game where no defense is involved, or Dobson may have been on it. Let Dobson have a chip on his shoulder. Let this be an opportunity for Dobson to prove to himself and the league that he can be a player that can help his country the next time Team Canada goes into action. Dobson has all the talent in the world. Now it's time for him to show it.
