It's not a secret that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets are looking at any possible way to upgrade their current roster in hopes of winning a Stanley Cup, and with recent reports of New York Islanders dangling defenseman Noah Dobson in the trade market, it could be a golden opportunity for the Jets.
It's not a secret that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets are looking at any possible way to upgrade their current roster in hopes of winning a Stanley Cup, and with recent reports of New York Islanders dangling defenseman Noah Dobson in the trade market, it could be a golden opportunity for the Jets.
The Jets have been linked to a plethora of forwards and defensemen, both depth pieces and possible high-end contributors. They have been searching for a defenseman to play on their bottom pairing or find someone who can shift down a current roster player into that final pairing. Dobson could slot next to Dylan Samberg and form a formidable pairing.
Neal Pionk and Samberg have played exceptionally well together this season. The Jets are 28-5-1 with Samberg in the lineup, and Pionk is on pace to set career-highs in goals, assists and points.
As well as Pionk has played, Dobson has shown a higher offensive ceiling throughout his career and is four years younger. Dobson's career-high in goals, 13, has been recorded twice in his career, and he put up 70 points in 79 games last season while averaging 24:31 of ice time.
Pionk and Dobson are pending free agents, but their free agent status is where things change. Pionk will be a UFA when the season concludes, and Dobson will be an RFA. Dobson will likely command more money, but there is a five-year birth age gap.
Earlier in the season, The Hockey News' Carter Brooks reported that the Jets could be interested in Mathew Barzal, but his recent injury status means he won't be dealt at the trade deadline. The Jets have also been linked to another Islanders centre, Brock Nelson, who is also a pending UFA. Acquiring Nelson or Barzal fills a more glaring need for the Jets, upgrading their second line centre, but Dobson would fit in the long-term.
At 5-on-5, the 6'4 defenseman would fit like a glove. He and Samberg would be what HC Scott Arniel loves. An offensive defenseman paired with a defensive defenseman, like Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo, are on the first pairing.
Of all the positives Dobson would provide the Jets, the one fault would be the lack of power play opportunities he's become accustomed to. Morrissey wouldn't lose his spot on the top power play unit, and if the Jets are paying for Dobson's production, they would be paying for his 78 career power play points. His overall effectiveness at even strength would still be apparent, but the Jets could slightly overpay for his past production even though he's in a situation where he can't replicate it.
The rumours about Dobson possibly being moved are new, and no teams have been directly linked to him quite yet, but reports out of New York are that they could be inclined to move him due to the team's ability to replicate his production with players on cheaper contracts. If the Jets believe Dobson could help improve the team, they could pull the trigger despite his high price tag.
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