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.
- eichiefs9

Exactly what every team needs

Agreed. Physical strength is definitely the area in noticeable need of improvement. But his pace of play and decision-making seemed NHL-ready, at least in that really small sample size. It's a tough call...last night kind of reinforced what you all have been talking about...the AHL is really the perfect landing spot for him, but that's off the table, unfortunately.

I don't know that juniors will do anything for his game other than allow him some more time to bulk up a little. Playing in the NHL will give him the challenge he needs to keep pushing his game forward, but if he gets knocked around in his own zone, that will cost the team points. Based on last night, I'd lean toward giving him the nine-game look and going from there.
- UIF

Pre season is slower in many ways especially the fore check and if he can't hold up to the physicality it will hurt him on the decision side in the NHL imho. Only one game and he has the skill but I only question his size and strength against a whole team of NHL caliber players.
As far as Jrs. vs Europe, Barzal really had nothing to prove in Jrs and he was sent down and came back better for it. Don't think Jrs. would ruin his developement, but getting his ass kick physically by Men whether the NHL or Europe may. Just my opinion of course.

There's plenty time for him to prove himself with the rest of pre season and as you said the 9 game look he will get. I hope he does stick and becomes Toews 2.0 but Toews was a lot older so we will see.

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

I honestly never saw him in one of his Jrs. Games have you? Was he the points leader for defenseman in the league or in top 5 ? Just don't personally know how dominant he was.

Honestly asking not being a dack like Cpt. and Upstate.

I honestly never saw him in one of his Jrs. Game have you? Was he the points leader for defenseman in the league? Just don't personally know how dominant he was.
- nyisles7

Dont be a Richard, also the memorial cup is televised yearly Richard

Dont be a Richard, also the memorial cup is televised yearly Richard
- Upstate_isles

Just revised my post as I knew it was coming. Never watched a game of it. Funny you were one I mentioned I K

I honestly never saw him in one of his Jrs. Games have you? Was he the points leader for defenseman in the league or in top 5 ? Just don't personally know how dominant he was.

Honestly asking not being a dack like Cpt. and Upstate.
- nyisles7

I watched all Rouyn-Noranda's Memorial Cup games.

He finished 7th overall in scoring for defenseman for the regular season and was the top scoring defenseman in the playoffs (which I believe includes Q playoffs + Memorial cup) by a 9pt margin. Also finished tied with a teammate for most goals by a defenseman in the playoffs.

I watched all Rouyn-Noranda's Memorial Cup games.

He finished 7th overall in scoring for defenseman for the regular season and was the top scoring defenseman in the playoffs (which I believe includes Q playoffs + Memorial cup) by a 9pt margin. Also finished tied with a teammate for most goals by a defenseman in the playoffs.
- eichiefs9

Thanks, he certainly has the skill and resume for sure. Just looked out matched physically a bit in the d zone imo.
Can't coach strength and size unfortunately and believe Trotz will do the right thing obviously.

Really the NHL should look at the rule about the QMJH players not being able to play the AHL, silly really.

Thanks, he certainly has the skill and resume for sure. Just looked out match physically in the d zone imo.
Can't coach strength and size unfortunately and believe Trotz will do the right thing obviously.

Really the NHL should look at the rule about the QMJH players not being able to play the AHL, silly really.
- nyisles7

That's why I'd like to see him go to Europe. It'll ease him into playing against men without being thrown into the fire in a very physical league like the NHL.

Fans hate it, but I think it keeps the CHL leagues competitive. Otherwise all the top talent would just fly the coup and jump to the NHL if they were ready. Frankly, I don't give a poop about the CHL so I'm with you...I'd like to see it changed

I honestly never saw him in one of his Jrs. Games have you? Was he the points leader for defenseman in the league or in top 5 ? Just don't personally know how dominant he was.

Honestly asking not being a dack like Cpt. and Upstate.
- nyisles7

Won the memorial cup back to back years and i believe was the MVP

Just revised my post as I knew it was coming. Never watched a game of it. Funny you were one I mentioned I K
- nyisles7

I'm never a Richard on here

That's why I'd like to see him go to Europe. It'll ease him into playing against men without being thrown into the fire in a very physical league like the NHL.

Fans hate it, but I think it keeps the CHL leagues competitive. Otherwise all the top talent would just fly the coup and jump to the NHL if they were ready. Frankly, I don't give a poop about the CHL so I'm with you...I'd like to see it changed
- eichiefs9

For me, I don't give a rats ass about them either! Development and betterment of the NHL and their players should be the bottom line without any question

I honestly never saw him in one of his Jrs. Games have you? Was he the points leader for defenseman in the league or in top 5 ? Just don't personally know how dominant he was.

Honestly asking not being a dack like Cpt. and Upstate.
- nyisles7

I don’t appreciate your comments about Dobson.

I'm never a Richard on here
- Upstate_isles

I don’t appreciate your comments about Dobson.
- Cptmjl

Which ones?

I don’t appreciate your comments about Dobson.
- Cptmjl

Do you appreciate any of his comments on here?

Do you appreciate any of his comments on here?
- Upstate_isles

- JohnScammo

Shat signing?

good Write up Ben.. I agree on pretty much all. Ho Sang had at least 5 passes that were "wow", and I really hope this kid figures is out b/c he has the talent to be a really good player. If he can get his head on straight.

Beauv missed at least 3 really good opportunities last night.

Aho was really good at times, but messed up a few times. One was an il-advised pinch at the blue line that ended up with a 2-on-1 the other way. That will not sit well with Trotz and crew (I love our coaches).

The guys I really did not want to see do well played great last night. Sbisa, Hickey and even Colin Mac played very good.... annoying.

I am excited to see the Ohio State kid tonight in the 66 jersey.
- niteislander

Thanks for reading!

Shat signing?
- Upstate_isles

I K

I K
- nyisles7

- Upstate_isles

- JohnScammo