A New York Islanders defenseman hasn’t had 60 or more points in a season since the legendary Denis Potvin in 1984-85. Last season, Noah Dobson became just the fourth Islanders defenseman in the last 30 years to record 50 or more points — and at just 22 years old under Barry Trotz’s defense-first system.
See where we’re going here?
In what is expected to be just his second full 82-game season as a pro, Dobson is the focal point of the Islanders’ new system under Lane Lambert that stresses offensive support from the defense.
He has two goals in the first two games of the season, including one in the Islanders’ 7-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks that saw blueliners account for five goals.
“It’s nice to contribute from the back end,” Dobson told amNewYork on Monday. “You can’t expect the defense to have five goals each game but it’s good to get some goals and offense from the defense early and I think it’s an important part of our game to be chipping in on the attack and helping out.”
A point-per-game pace from a defenseman is a sizable ask, and Dobson shied away from any idea of joining Potvin on that 60-point list for an Islanders defenseman.
“That’s far down the road,” he said with a smile. “I think I’m just trying to focus on one game at a time.”
His teammates, though, can see it happening.
“I hope [it happens],” star center Mathew Barzal said. “It seems like all our D-men are on pace for that right now. Yeah, I think that’d be amazing if he did. I’d love to see that happen.”
“I don’t see why not,” fellow defenseman Ryan Pulock added. “I don’t think he needs to get to that number. Anywhere near there is a heck of a year. He’s got it in him. His offensive ability, his instincts, his skillset… it wouldn’t surprise me.”
Not only does Dobson have the offensive skillset and vision to rack up points in this system, but he’s also an invaluable quarterback for the Islanders’ power play. For a team that hasn’t had the most consistent production from its forwards, that means his contributions will be immense.
“I think as a power-play guy you have the onus on yourself to produce and chip in offensively,” Dobson said. “It’s definitely part of the game where I want to help the team and I feel like I’m capable of doing that.”
Certainly not a bad weapon for first-year head coach Lane Lambert to have, even if he couldn’t quantify just how high his 23-year-old defenseman’s ceiling could be in the NHL.
“He’s very good and he’s still growing,” Lambert said. “He’s come a long way in the time that he’s been here since he turned pro… I’m just looking forward to seeing his progression.”
