Noah Dobson and Zdeno Chara. Two different players. Two different stories.

Dobson was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, coming to the Islanders with fairly high expectations. However, while Dobson has struggled this season, he has immense potential.

An example of a similar player is Charlie McAvoy. Both have size and are shut-down defensemen with offensive upside.

Dobson has been a victim of some mistakes this year, showing he has a lot of room to grow. He has made some poor puck decisions and mindless defensive plays. However, his upside is eventually a star defenseman. He has the ability to quarterback the power-play for years to come and has very good puck control. Also, most of the time, he showcases an impressive hockey IQ. 

It was interesting that before the season started, Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz tried to pair Dobson with Chara. This offseason, the Islanders signed the veteran defenseman to a one-year deal. Chara has over 20 years of NHL experience as well as a Stanley Cup and a Norris Trophy under his belt. On top of his statistical achievements, he helped develop young defensemen. 

Notably, McAvoy learned a lot playing next to Chara in Boston and it showed, as he is now widely regarded as a top defenseman in the NHL. Torey Krug and McAvoy are two prime examples of young defenseman that played with Chara who turned into NHL stars. Both of these guys got paid.

Unfortunately for Dobson, he did not fit with Chara. The pairing simply did not work – Dobson had to cover for Chara, Chara had to cover for Dobson and they were on the ice for too many goals. But that is okay.

Chara still has a useful role on this team as a depth defenseman. And Dobson – who is a restricted free agent after the season – still has a useful role on this team next to Andy Greene. So even though the Chara and Dobson fit failed – at least for now – both players can help the Islanders win a Stanley Cup.

John Smark