Photo credit: NHL
Last June, on the morning of the NHL Draft, Kent Hughes didn’t hesitate for a second and made a trade to acquire defenseman Noah Dobson.
As if it were simply part of the risk of acquiring an excellent player, the one who left-Heineman, in this case-is currently doing very well with the New York Islanders.
It’s true that the season is still young, but it’s been quite a start for the player who had been acquired in February 2022 in the trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames.Used on the team’s first line, to the left of Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, the 23-year-old forward quickly earned Patrick Roy’s trust.
When you consider that he recorded 18 points in 62 games last season, his first in the big league, it’s fair to say things are going well for the Swede, he already has 12 points in 18 games, including 8 goals.
What’s even more surprising is that five of his goals were scored within the first seven games of the season.
Even setting aside the personal stats of the former Hab, he’s providing valuable service to Patrick Roy’s squad.
“Emil Heineman is not only producing, but he does a lot of little things that do not show up in the box score.
He’s physical, smart and just seems brutal to play against.
I did not have these expectations, but wow.”
– Isles Den
No, there’s no reason to regret acquiring Noah Dobson
Seeing Heineman’s production, some people will naturally be tempted to regret his departure.
However, that would be a serious mistake, because Noah Dobson is playing some big-time hockey with the Canadiens, and this despite a mediocre training camp.
He quickly found his footing as soon as the regular season began, and along with Mike Matheson, he forms one of the strongest duos in the NHL.
Dobson has already collected 11 points in 17 games, including one goal.
So it’s no surprise that Martin St-Louis and Stéphane Robidas don’t hesitate to give him an average of 22:23 of ice time this season.
In the long run, I think Dobson will bring more to the organization than Heineman could have.
But that’s just my humble opinion!
Previously on Habs Fanatics