I mean I'd prefer he makes the team, on merit, for sure. It's a sticky situation since he's not AHL eligible. In a perfect world, he'd be the #1 defenseman get all-situation minutes in Bridgeport until he either forced the Isles hand for a call-up or someone goes down.

There's arguments to be made on both sides re: getting 3rd pair minutes and the occasional scratch with the Isles vs. going to a Euro league and playing bigger minutes, but one thing I think everyone unilaterally agrees that his days playing in junior should be over no matter what.
- eichiefs9

Because he’s the isles top d prospect, projected to be their top dog down the road, IMO he’s better off being with the team. Yes he’s playing against men in Europe buts it’s also a different game and compliments skating rather than physicality. His skating is not a problem so for me I’d rather he play 3rd pair on the isles and take the occasional scratch for a learning year.

Didn’t catch last nights game. I take it that Dobson continued to impress?
- Wildschwein

He’s got it offensively that’s for sure.

The blues had their #91. The isles do not and never replaced those points. That’s not a small thing.
- kindlyrick

Well I’d argue that #90 was a far larger factor than #91, but my main point was that the Blues were the worst team in the NHL at one point last season. Everyone was screaming for Armstrong to blow it up, respected hockey minds included.

Nothing is for certain in hockey.

Didn’t catch last nights game. I take it that Dobson continued to impress?
- Wildschwein

I didn't get a chance to watch either, just saw the highlights this morning. I DVR'd it, not sure when I'll get around to watching it though.

Because he’s the isles top d prospect, projected to be their top dog down the road, IMO he’s better off being with the team. Yes he’s playing against men in Europe buts it’s also a different game and compliments skating rather than physicality. His skating is not a problem so for me I’d rather he play 3rd pair on the isles and take the occasional scratch for a learning year.
- kindlyrick

Yeah and if they think he's ready and he makes the team because he's ready then I'm all for it and that's awesome. But I don't think they need to shoehorn him in there just because he's the top prospect.

There's a logjam on defense already and they already allowed the fewest GA per game in the league last year. This isn't the Milan Jurcina-Mike Mottau defense, they can keep the puck out of the net and forcing Dobson in just because he's their top prospect might not be the best move for the team.

He’s got it offensively that’s for sure.
- kindlyrick

He moved the puck well and got it on net and was all over the d zone. Strength will have the challenge this year if he sticks but that will come in time

Well I’d argue that #90 was a far larger factor than #91, but my main point was that the Blues were the worst team in the NHL at one point last season. Everyone was screaming for Armstrong to blow it up, respected hockey minds included.

Nothing is for certain in hockey.
- Wildschwein

I get it and it was a great story. But they weren’t without star power is my point. Them winning showed they were underperforming in the beginning. They had the talent they just weren’t playing well. IMHO the isles lack said star power and Tavares’ points/presence on the ice was never replaced. Making the second round last year was a shock to most including all the hockey heads. The isles overperformed in a sense.
I’d love nothing more if you were right but i think the isles are a few pieces away from hoisting lord stanley.

Yeah and if they think he's ready and he makes the team because he's ready then I'm all for it and that's awesome. But I don't think they need to shoehorn him in there just because he's the top prospect.

There's a logjam on defense already and they already allowed the fewest GA per game in the league last year. This isn't the Milan Jurcina-Mike Mottau defense, they can keep the puck out of the net and forcing Dobson in just because he's their top prospect might not be the best move for the team.
- eichiefs9

As you said it’s tricky and not the normal situation. Being that he can’t play in the A i personally would like to see him getting experience at the NHL level. He’s so good he’ll grow exponentially in the NHL

I didn't get a chance to watch either, just saw the highlights this morning. I DVR'd it, not sure when I'll get around to watching it though.
- eichiefs9

Too busy with work, eh?

Fair enough. Gotta make bank before winter hits. I’ve heard east coast street corners get quite chilly.

I will also say that barzal looked pretty good just made ridiculous passes out there but it was their c squad. Hes gonna be very good this year now that he knows what Trotz expects

I get it and it was a great story. But they weren’t without star power is my point. Them winning showed they were underperforming in the beginning. They had the talent they just weren’t playing well. IMHO the isles lack said star power and Tavares’ points/presence on the ice was never replaced. Making the second round last year was a shock to most including all the hockey heads. The isles overperformed in a sense.
I’d love nothing more if you were right but i think the isles are a few pieces away from hoisting lord stanley.
- kindlyrick

Oh I agree completely. I’m just saying that I won’t totally dismiss the possibility.

As you said it’s tricky and not the normal situation. Being that he can’t play in the A i personally would like to see him getting experience at the NHL level. He’s so good he’ll grow exponentially in the NHL
- kindlyrick

Maybe, but my points is really just that it might not be the best decision for the team as a whole.

Too busy with work, eh?

Fair enough. Gotta make bank before winter hits. I’ve heard east coast street corners get quite chilly.
- Wildschwein

Nope, my best friend and his wife just had their first kid and I was over at their place meeting the little lady

I will also say that barzal looked pretty good just made ridiculous passes out there but it was their c squad. Hes gonna be very good this year now that he knows what Trotz expects
- Upstate_isles

He’d (frank)ing better be. I’m strongly considering drafting him.

Nope, my best friend and his wife just had their first kid and I was over at their place meeting the little lady
- eichiefs9

Awww...

Now I feel like a Richard.

Maybe, but my points is really just that it might not be the best decision for the team as a whole.
- eichiefs9

I hear ya. I’m just not expecting much this year. But, the upside is there are a ton of legitimate prospects and they all can’t stay. I think Lou make a blockbuster this year, and trims some fat while adding to the cup puzzle. I guess the decision will be made after 9 games on Dobson...

I hear ya. I’m just not expecting much this year. But, the upside is there are a ton of legitimate prospects and they all can’t stay. I think Lou make a blockbuster this year, and trims some fat while adding to the cup puzzle. I guess the decision will be made after 9 games on Dobson...
- kindlyrick

I don't believe anyone will make a blockbuster until it happens, I think Islander fans have earned the right to unwavering skepticism of things

Nobody was expecting much last year and things turned out pretty incredible. Maybe the take a step back, maybe Varly stinks...but maybe neither of that happens and the PP gets sorted out and they can actually score. I'm kinda on the fence about this season. I don't like the lack of change on the roster and I'm concerned that most Metro teams made big improvements and have had a full season to see Trotz's system and make adjustments. But the team also is comfortable with the system and I think they'll be a lot more comfortable which should, hopefully, lead to some more offense.

I don't believe anyone will make a blockbuster until it happens, I think Islander fans have earned the right to unwavering skepticism of things

Nobody was expecting much last year and things turned out pretty incredible. Maybe the take a step back, maybe Varly stinks...but maybe neither of that happens and the PP gets sorted out and they can actually score. I'm kinda on the fence about this season. I don't like the lack of change on the roster and I'm concerned that most Metro teams made big improvements and have had a full season to see Trotz's system and make adjustments. But the team also is comfortable with the system and I think they'll be a lot more comfortable which should, hopefully, lead to some more offense.
- eichiefs9

Welp, the PP can’t get any worse. That’s for sure.

Chiefs when you watch the game notice how many times Dobson just throws it on net and gets it through traffic. Not the hardest shots but they created havoc and rebound chances also he moves the puck very well

Chiefs when you watch the game notice how many times Dobson just throws it on net and gets it through traffic. Not the hardest shots but they created havoc and rebound chances also he moves the puck very well
- Upstate_isles

I didn't get to see last night, but don't think Dobson will ever be a particularly large point producer. I think that he'll ultimately peak probably around 35-40pts a season, more or less. Which is still solid contribution, just not your "high scoring defenseman". I think he probably tops out as a 2nd PP unit type of guy, especially with Pulock (eventually) taking the reigns with the 1st unit. But yeah, he moves the puck extremely well and I think he has the potential to be a special defenseman. I think, if he pans out, he'll be a Pieterangelo/Vlasic type of player. Not flashy or exciting but an absolute rock on the blueline.

If he doesn't stick the Isles would be smart to let him sign overseas and play against men. There's nothing left for him in juniors. Like Trotz pointed out, he's likely to get lazy and develop bad habits because he's head-and-shoulders better than the competition he's playing against.
- eichiefs9

That was my thought watching him skating and moving the puck last night...the challenge might not be there for him in juniors. Yeah, you can be mentally focused and all that good stuff, and I'm sure he'd do everything he's told to do to improve strength and stay sharp, but, like anything, it's hard to really improve at something unless you're facing adversity. It's not that there aren't good players in juniors...better ones than Dobson, even...but it's spread thinner among a bunch of kids who can't skate as well or make decisions that quickly.

https://twitter.com/Heres...tatus/1173676290806886407

jesus christ

That was my thought watching him skating and moving the puck last night...the challenge might not be there for him in juniors. Yeah, you can be mentally focused and all that good stuff, and I'm sure he'd do everything he's told to do to improve strength and stay sharp, but, like anything, it's hard to really improve at something unless you're facing adversity. It's not that there aren't good players in juniors...better ones than Dobson, even...but it's spread thinner among a bunch of kids who can't skate as well or make decisions that quickly.
- UIF

Not to mention he'll be significantly more physically mature than almost everyone in that league. He's a big kid and will be 20. That probably leads to him taking advantage of his size, which is great for junior but will be a big hindrance playing against men the following year.

https://twitter.com/HeresYourReplay/status/1173676290806886407

jesus christ
- eichiefs9

Oh Saskatchewan. Never change.

Oh Saskatchewan. Never change.
- Wildschwein

Hahaha