Patience and Progression Pay Off in Noah Dobson's New Deal

Patience has long been part of Noah Dobson's personality.
It served him when he was breaking into the league as a 19-year-old and seemingly again, as news of his
newly minted three-year contract
broke in late August. Yes, it was always a matter of when and not if for the restricted free agent, but now that it's done, Dobson can put all of his focus into building off his breakout campaign.

"I'm obviously really excited," Dobson said. "Looking back to the second half of the year I was happy with the steps I took. In the offseason I'm just trying to really use the extra time we've had to take another step this year and I'm just excited about the next three years to be able to continue and grow."
Dobson was the team's top offensive defenseman last season, as he led all Islanders defensemen in goals (13), assists (38) and points (51) during his third NHL campaign. It was a breakout season for the 22-year-old, who the Islanders brought along slowly, starting with 34 games in 2019-20, then 46 games in the shortened 2020-21 season.

"He had the patience and he had the self-discipline to just practice every single day," President and GM Lou Lamoriello said of Dobson's first two years. "When he had the opportunity to get full time ice time as he did last year, he grew throughout the season, so I don't think there's any hype to where he can go.
"I know during the summer he has been working in size and strength," Lamoriello added. "I'm looking forward to seeing where he is this year."
Lamoriello praised Dobson's offensive abilities, instincts and ability to read the play, but he wants to see continued development from the young blueliner on the defensive side of the puck. That was part of his reasoning for signing Dobson to a three-year deal as opposed to something longer term. Dobson will still be an RFA when his deal expires.
"Both sides went into the negotiations open minded and I think I'm just really happy to be at the Islanders for the next three years," Dobson said.
Dobson has spent the majority of his career playing with veteran partners, such as Johnny Boychuk, Andy Greene and Zdeno Chara. With the departures of Greene and Chara, Dobson is poised to play with a contemporary for the first time in his NHL career.

Alexander Romanov,
who was acquired on draft day
,
is certainly a candidate
, but Dobson said it's too soon to tell.
"He's obviously a talented player," Dobson said. "He skates really well, and he's got a physical presence out there too, and a high compete level. I'm really excited to get to know him and if we do end up playing together, that will be great too."
Dobson, who's been spending time back home in Prince Edward Island, is looking forward to returning to Long Island for the season. He's utilized the long offseason to work on his size and strength and he's been motivated to wash out the sour taste of last season.
"I know all you guys are really hungry and excited for the upcoming season after what happened last year," Dobson said. "Obviously it's unacceptable, but I think all the guys worked really hard this summer and are really hungry to get things going and to get back in the playoffs this year."