BREAKING: Noah Dobson Returns in Full-Contact Jersey; Cuts Looming

East Meadow, N.Y. — Noah Dobson returned to the ice before the New York Islanders’  practice Tuesday morning. Dobson skated in a full-contact jersey but did not partake in any drills.

Dobson suffered a lower-body injury in a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 20. The Islanders placed him on long-term injured reserve, and he’s missed 9 of the requisite 10 games before being active.

That means he’s ineligible to participate in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Stars. Dobson can, however, be activated ahead of Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers.

The Islanders have a full roster and are currently over the cap, so to activate Dobson, the Islanders will need to make a cut to the roster and transfer Mathew Barzal to LTIR.

Who Gets Cut/Waived?

The first will likely be Dennis Cholowski, a depth defenseman who played very sparring minutes and has been passed on the depth chart by the new arrivals.

Despite his potential, Adam Boqvist would likely be next. He’s looked solid in his appearances with the Islanders, but that may not be enough when the roster cutdown comes. If it isn’t him, the team could move on from the all-offense Anthony DeAngelo, who has played big minutes but whose poor defensive play leaked in before the break.

The team could also move to, on paper, waive Matt Martin but allow him to continue to play. Hudson Fasching remains on IR, so clearing him will not help.

These decisions will likely not come until Dobson is ready or when Ryan Pulock can shed his no-contact jersey and be activated to play. Make no mistake, decisions are coming.