Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson’s status for the decisive Game 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning remains uncertain, with team officials listing him as a game-time decision for the crucial Eastern Conference first-round playoff clash.
The 26-year-old blueliner has been out of action with an upper-body injury sustained while blocking a shot during Montreal’s April 11 contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“He’s been a big player for us this year,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. “I’m confident that if he plays, he’s going to bring something.”
During the regular season, Dobson contributed significantly to Montreal’s defensive corps, tallying 47 points through 12 goals and 35 assists while logging an average of 22:29 in ice time across 80 games.
Montreal obtained Dobson through a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Islanders on June 27, 2025, securing his services with an eight-year contract worth $76 million.
The transaction sent forward Emil Heineman along with Montreal’s pair of first-round draft selections (16th and 17th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft to New York. The Islanders utilized those picks to select Swedish right winger Victor Eklund and Barrie OHL defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
Throughout his NHL career, Dobson has accumulated 277 points consisting of 62 goals and 215 assists over 348 games since the Islanders selected him 12th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.
