Early Word on Noah Dobson’s Contract Negotiations

The New York Islanders’ summer of change rolls on. We’re just eight days away from the NHL Draft. Trade talks are on fire during this time of year. In recent days, talks surrounding Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Alexander Romanov picked up steam.

Then, just moments ago on DFO’s Rundown, Frank Seravalli chucked a live grenade into the Islanders’ world. He gave an update on the ongoing Noah Dobson contract negotiations, which are in their early stages.

Seravalli reported that Dobson’s ask on a long-term contract extension is $11 million per season, which would give the richest contract extension in terms of average annual value in Islanders history.

On social media, the last half hour is what happens when you turn over a rock or kick over an ant hill – chaos all over.

Islanders fans: Take a deep breath.

How Contract Negotiations Work:

This is how this was always going to go. The salary cap’s exploding. Dobson specifically hired a new agent this year for this very reason. He wants to maximize his dollars, which he should.

Beyond that, this is just how contract negotiations work. Why would Dobson and his agent come out and say they’d take the cheapest long-term deal possible? They wouldn’t. Not to mention, Dobson shares his agency with Evan Bouchard, who’s also up for a new contract.

Bouchard’s deal will eclipse Dobson’s, no doubt. But it would be in Wasserman Agency’s best interest to maximize its clients’ value.

The Islanders’ initial long-term offer to Dobson likely would be around $7.5-$8 million per year based on his 2024-25 season.

If they cannot come to a long-term solution between $9 and $10 million per year, that’s when this becomes a true problem. Notice how the other thing Frank reported flew right under the radar: there’s been no trade talks involving Noah Dobson.

This is not an issue, nor should it be anything surprising. Contract negotiations always begin with a high ask, then you gradually work down. Until there are firm reports of trade talks and busted negotiations, it’s best to let things play out.