The Montreal Canadiens acquired Noah Dobson in a sign-and-trade agreement with the New York Islanders on Friday as the top-pair defenseman agreed to an eight-year, $76 million contract.

In return, the Islanders received forward Emil Heineman and both of Montreal’s first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 17) in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Islanders used those selections Friday night on Swedish forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson of Barrie (OHL).

Dobson, 25, was three days from becoming a restricted free agent. By signing his new contract before the trade, he was able to secure an eight-year agreement (instead of a seven-year deal) to play in what Dobson termed the “best hockey market in the world.”

“Without hesitation a no-brainer for me,” Dobson told reporters. “I really had an idea probably that something was going to get done today. But yeah, it’s stressful.

“I mean, I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m getting married on Monday, actually, so we’re dealing with that and then the trade stuff. So, it was a stressful couple of days, but when I found out I was going to be a Montreal Canadien, extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dobson recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) and averaged 23:16 of ice time in 71 games last season.

The Prince Edward Island native has totaled 230 points (50 goals, 180 assists) in 388 career games since being selected by the Islanders with the 12th overall pick of the 2018 draft.

Heineman, 23, had 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 62 games with the Canadiens last season. He was held without a point in four contests during the 2023-24 season to open his NHL career.

Eklund, 18, recorded 19 goals and 12 assists in 41 regular-season games for Djurgardens IF in Sweden’s first division.

Aitcheson, 18, produced 26 goals and 33 assists in 64 games for Barrie.

–Field Level Media