The New York Islanders are preparing for the NHL draft on Friday with a plan to navigate Noah Dobson trade talks to acquire top prospects James Hagens and Matthew Schaefer. The team faces the challenge of balancing immediate roster needs while aiming to secure both players through strategic moves.
While James Hagens is a strong candidate for the first overall pick, the Islanders have their sights set on obtaining defenseman Matthew Schaefer as well. To make this possible, general manager Mathieu Darche is working on a deal involving Dobson and a package that includes future players and draft picks, hoping to create the space needed to select both prospects.
New Strategy in Noah Dobson Trade Talks Aims to Unlock Draft Flexibility
Reports indicate that the Islanders have shifted their approach in the ongoing Dobson trade discussions, moving focus from current roster players to future assets and first-round picks. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the team is packaging returns to advance their positioning in the draft and secure hometown player James Hagens alongside Schaefer.
“Isles have shifted approach in Noah Dobson talks from roster players to futures and Round 1 picks tonight. Belief is NYI seeking to package return to reach up and grab Long Island native James Hagens. Lot of work ahead for Darche to make #Schaegens a reality,” Seravalli tweeted on Friday.
Limiting the Islanders’ options is Dobson’s preference to remain within the Eastern Conference, narrowing the pool of potential trade partners and complicating the pursuit of a high draft pick suitable for Schaefer. With the draft fast approaching, New York is under pressure to finalize an impressive deal.
Matthew Schaefer Considered the Best Player Available in Final Draft Projections
As the Islanders weigh their choices, ESPN draft analyst Rachel Doerrie highlights Matthew Schaefer as the clear top prospect at this year’s draft, despite strong narratives surrounding Hagens. Schaefer’s potential as a franchise cornerstone defenseman is widely recognized, and his ability to play effectively both offensively and defensively makes him highly valuable.
“This is not rocket science and no one needs to overthink this,” Doerrie wrote. “The James Hagens story — his being a Long Island native, and an Islanders fan — is a great one, and we will address that later, but Schaefer is the clear-cut best player available in this draft.
“Many scouts believe he will become a franchise cornerstone defenseman capable of driving play at both ends of the ice. They are in a precarious position on defense with Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov in need of new contracts.”
Meanwhile, James Hagens was selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, leaving the Islanders’ plans focused on securing Schaefer while managing their defensive lineup amid contract uncertainties involving Dobson and Alexander Romanov.
The outcome of these trade discussions and draft selections will significantly impact the Islanders’ roster and long-term strategy, with the potential to reshape the team’s defensive core and draft future. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the organization attempts to execute a high-stakes plan under tight deadlines.