The Montreal Canadiens made a significant move when they acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, aiming not just to strengthen their defense but also to boost their offensive capabilities. This trade has sparked optimism that captain Nick Suzuki could surpass the 100-point milestone for the first time in his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL career during the upcoming season, as Dobson’s skill set promises to enhance the team’s power play and overall pace.
Former NHL executive and broadcaster Pierre McGuire highlighted Dobson’s influence on The Sick Podcast, emphasizing how his presence on the power play and across the ice might elevate Suzuki’s game considerably.
Dobson’s Role in Elevating Nick Suzuki’s Performance
Nick Suzuki recorded a personal best of 89 points last season, but McGuire is confident that Suzuki can exceed that total if he remains healthy and benefits from the revamped lineup. He shared his expectations in a recent interview:
“I think Nick Suzuki is going to get to 100 points if he stays healthy” —Pierre McGuire, Broadcaster and Former NHL Executive
McGuire described Dobson as
“a dominant player in all three zones,”
capable of precise puck movement, creating openings through the neutral zone, and effectively managing the man advantage. This combination is seen as a critical factor that could unlock Suzuki’s full scoring potential.
Dobson’s addition is viewed as a key upgrade to the Canadiens’ power play, making it a more formidable threat against opposing teams.
Details Behind the Canadiens’ Commitment to Dobson
The trade that brought Dobson to Montreal was finalized on June 28, 2025, just ahead of the NHL Draft, and came at a significant price. The Canadiens parted with two first-round draft picks and forward Emil Heineman to acquire Dobson, who then signed an eight-year contract worth $76 million, with a $9.5 million cap hit per season.
General Manager Kent Hughes praised Dobson as the cornerstone the Canadiens were seeking — a prime-aged defenseman who can dictate the flow of the game from the back end and fit the team’s faster, possession-oriented style.
“He defends with his feet and with his reach and range, and I think if you look at how we play and how we try to deny pucks a lot and deny ice … his ability to retrieve pucks and kind of spring the offense for us was a big piece,” —Kent Hughes, Montreal Canadiens GM
Dobson, 25, is a player known for his consistency and endurance, coming off a season with 39 points and a career-best 70-point campaign just one year prior. His reliable presence on the blue line is expected to provide stability to a defense unit that has been evolving since the Canadiens began their rebuild.
Adjusting to Montreal’s High-Pressure Environment
Noah Dobson is no stranger to playing under pressure, having displayed maturity and composure even in his junior hockey days with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Former teammate Jeffrey Viel recalled Dobson’s calm approach back then and predicts the transition to Montreal’s intense hockey market will be smooth.
“The pressure in Montreal, it’s going to be fine for him. When I played with him, he was only 17 years old, and he already had the maturity. That’s the kind of guy he is.” —Jeffrey Viel, Former Junior Teammate
Dobson’s calm demeanor, combined with experiences winning two Memorial Cup championships at the junior level, signals his readiness to thrive in Montreal’s demanding spotlight.
Embracing this new chapter, Dobson has referred to joining the Canadiens as an honor, recognizing Montreal as one of hockey’s most passionate cities. He arrives familiar with some teammates, having previously played alongside Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson in international competition.
Looking Ahead to Training Camp and the Season
As training camp approaches, anticipation builds around the chemistry between Dobson and Suzuki. If they quickly establish a strong on-ice connection, the Canadiens could accelerate their rebuild process and offer fans an exciting offensive surge.
The combination of Dobson’s puck-moving abilities and Suzuki’s skill and vision may push the team past previous limits, potentially resulting in the first 100-point season in Suzuki’s career and a notable step forward for Montreal’s future competitiveness.