The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need a top-tier defenseman who can help optimize their current roster by allowing players to thrive in roles better suited to their strengths.
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders have managed to find success despite their best defenseman being sidelined since January 20th. As a result, they are reportedly open to moving him. Noah Dobson would be an ideal addition for the Maple Leafs, making it imperative that they pursue and acquire him.
The Perfect Fit for the Maple Leafs Is Now Reportedly on the Trade Market
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest need is a high-end defenseman who can elevate their current roster by allowing players to settle into roles that maximize their strengths.
Enter Noah Dobson. At 6’4″, right-handed, and an elite puck-mover, he is a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. At just 25 years old and carrying a cap-friendly $4 million salary, he is not only an ideal fit for Toronto’s blue line but also a realistic acquisition. The New York Islanders, having found success without him since his injury on January 20th, are now reportedly considering trading him.
With the Leafs needing both forward and defensive depth, their top priority remains a true number-one defenseman—something they simply cannot compete without. The fact that Dobson is available and fits within their cap constraints, potentially by moving Max Domi in return, makes this a rare opportunity Toronto cannot afford to pass up.
Pairing Dobson with Morgan Rielly would immediately enhance the Leafs’ defensive core while boosting their offensive output, creating a top pairing perfectly suited to complement Toronto’s elite goal scorers.
One of the Leafs’ issues this season has been generating 5-on-5 offense, largely due to a lack of puck-moving ability on their blue line. Dobson would address this while also pushing OEL to the third pairing, which currently contributes little offensively.
The Leafs’ coaching staff has often tried to pair Rielly with stay-at-home defensemen like Luke Schenn and Ilya Lyubushkin, but that strategy has never been effective. Rielly has consistently played his best hockey alongside another strong puck-mover, as shown by his success with TJ Brodie, Tyson Barrie, and Jake Gardiner.
With a Rielly-Dobson top pairing, a shutdown duo of Tanev and McCabe, and a capable third pairing, the Leafs would transform their blue line from one of the weakest among contenders to one of the strongest.
The Islanders aren’t focused on rebuilding, so they’ll want players who can contribute immediately. The Leafs should offer their first-round pick, Bobby McMann, and Easton Cowan. Max Domi would also need to be included for salary cap purposes, though he holds little value for the Islanders and would require the Leafs to sweeten the deal further.
Bobby McMann fits the Islanders’ need for an NHL-ready player, and while losing him would sting, the Leafs can afford to part with him if it means acquiring a top-tier defenseman to strengthen their blue line.
Losing Cowan and the first-round pick isn’t a concern—they’re expected trade pieces. The Leafs would be making a major mistake if they prioritized holding onto either instead of upgrading their roster.
This team has earned a significant addition, and it’s obvious that the biggest need is a top-pairing defenseman. Given the limited options available within their salary constraints, Noah Dobson is an easy choice. Treliving has no choice but to make a move. This trade not only gets it done but also positions the Leafs as legitimate contenders for the 2024-25 Stanley Cup.