P.E.I.’s Noah Dobson says it’s an honour and privilege to play for Montreal Canadiens

There is no doubt Montreal can be one of the NHL’s most challenging markets to play in.

The storied Canadiens’ franchise, winners of 24 Stanley Cups, has a passionate fan base and an intense media following in English and French languages. This environment is not for every player.

But it’s a challenge Noah Dobson welcomes.

“People love their hockey in this market,” Dobson said during a Zoom call with media members late on June 27. “They’re passionate, and the pressure that comes with that is a privilege. 

“I mean, it’s an honour to wear that Montreal Canadiens’ sweater. You can’t take that for granted… There would be no more pressure than the pressure I put on myself to be the best player possible and each day trying to improve your game and be as good as you could be and make the fans proud. It’s such a great fan base.”

The Canadiens acquired the 25-year-old defenceman from the New York Islanders on June 27 for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round draft picks – Nos. 16 and 17. The Canadiens signed Dobson, a restricted free agent, to an eight-year contract with an annual average value of $9.5 million.

Although reported by several media outlets and insiders earlier on June 27, the trade was officially announced during the 2025 NHL draft that evening.

ATMOSPHERE

Dobson, who spent his first six years in the NHL with the Islanders, said Montreal was his favourite city to play in on the road. Dobson said there’s no atmosphere like the one at the Bell Centre.

“I’m looking forward to the first time I step on the ice there (wearing) the Montreal Canadiens’ sweater,” said Dobson. “And yeah, just trying to feed off the energy and passion from the fans, because it is truly an honour and privilege to play for the Montreal Canadiens.”

BUSY WEEK

It’s been a bit of a busy week and a half for Dobson, who was in his hometown of Summerside, P.E.I., participating in the Noah Dobson HockeyFest from June 20 to 22. The event featured 144 teams and the 2025 event was the largest HockeyFest tournament in the world.

Then discussions with the Islanders intensified. Dobson, who told The Guardian during HockeyFest he hoped to stay with the Islanders, said he had an idea last week he may be moving on from when it became clearer the two sides could not agree on a new contract.

“Then obviously, (the Islanders) start doing their job of seeing what’s out there for trades, and things really started to pick up (the morning of June 27),” said Dobson. “I really had kind of an idea, probably that something that was going to get done (June 27), but yeah, it’s stressful.”

LEARNED OF TRADE

Dobson was informed of the trade by recently-named New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche. Montreal executive vice-president Jeff Gorton, general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis then called Dobson shortly after Darche.

“I’m thankful for the Islanders and how they handled everything and the Montreal Canadiens as well,” said Dobson, who added he loved his six years with the Islanders and living in New York. “And my agents, Judd (Moldaver), and Olivier (Fortier) did a great job handling everything, so I’m thankful for them as well.”

UNKNOWN FUTURE

Dobson acknowledged this is the first time he’s been in this situation of an unknown future. On top of that, Dobson was also preparing for his wedding on June 30.

“So, it was stressful for a couple days,” said Dobson. “But, when I found out I was going to be a Montreal Canadien, (I was) extremely excited, like I said, and grateful for the opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Islanders selected Dobson 12th overall in 2018.

In the 2024-25 season, Dobson registered 10 goals and 39 points in 71 regular-season games.

Dobson’s best season as an Islander was the 2023-24 campaign. That year, Dobson registered 70 points – 10 goals and 60- assists – in 79 regular-season games.

Dobson, however, said he wants to be a complete defenceman who can play in all situations.

“That’s something that maybe can get overlooked with the offensive production, but I want to be known to play a 200-foot game and be reliable in all three zones,” said Dobson. “I’m excited to continue to work on my game and keep evolving.”

Overall, Dobson played 388 regular-season games with the Islanders, scoring 50 goals and recording 130 assists for 230 points with a plus-minus of minus-3.

Dobson played in 31 playoff games with the Islanders, recording 10 assists and a plus-2 rating.

TEAM ON THE RISE

Dobson is excited to join a young, up-and-coming Canadiens’ team. The Canadiens were the youngest team to make the playoffs this year and feature solid young building blocks at all positions, including NHL rookie-of-the-year Lane Hutson, who had 66 points in 82 regular-season games as a defenceman.

“I know what they have been building the last few years and it’s a special group from what I’ve heard,” said Dobson. “Like I said, I’m excited to join that group and see what we can do.”

Dobson is looking forward to playing with St. Louis, adding the Canadiens head coach has a great reputation. Dobson added he has heard Montreal has a tight-knit group.

“They try to make it fun and exciting to go to the rink every day,” said Dobson. “As a player, that’s all you can ask for.”