Contract negotiations are heating up as the Florida Panthers and center Sam Bennett appear poised for an extension that could approach $60 million, a promising development for both the franchise and Bennett's fantasy owners. Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan's future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring this season. The New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres are among the teams monitoring the situation closely. In addition, the NHL is rife with rumors regarding top RFAs, including Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard, who could command around $10 million after a strong season, while Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders may be pursuing an $8 million deal after switching agents.

Further complicating the landscape, several teams are evaluating their rosters as injuries plague franchises like the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche. With numerous RFAs coming into play, the outcome of the playoffs could significantly impact contract discussions across the league.

Noah Dobson's recent switch to new agents is viewed primarily as a strategic move ahead of impending contract negotiations rather than a signal of a potential trade. Analysts emphasize that such changes often indicate dissatisfaction with a player's current situation, but in Dobson's case, it appears aimed at preparing for a new deal with the New York Islanders.

According to Elliotte Friedman, there's no indication that Dobson is seeking a trade. The Islanders seem to value him highly, and despite speculation, the club is likely keeping discussions private. Dobson's contract, expiring at the end of the season, will require careful negotiation, possibly involving arbitration rights, but the timeline for a resolution remains open, allowing for various possibilities regarding his future.

The New York Islanders are actively looking to retain Brock Nelson, despite speculation about his future. Sources suggest that while there's mutual interest between Nelson and the Minnesota Wild, the Islanders are not keen on trading him for the moment. However, some insiders predict a potential trade in the future. Additionally, the Islanders are considering trades for other players like Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau as they seek to retool their roster ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

Amid these developments, Noah Dobson’s status remains uncertain due to his pending RFA status, with talks suggesting he could be explored for trade. Other teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, are still fielding interest in Alex Tuch, despite earlier assertions he wasn't available. The Edmonton Oilers continue to search for depth, while teams like the St. Louis Blues are open to offers on Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich, indicating a busy trade season ahead.

Noah Dobson, the young defenseman for the New York Islanders, is reportedly available for trade as the team seeks to bolster its scoring options. With a $4 million cap hit and entering restricted free agency after the season, Dobson has drawn interest from various teams in the league.

Amid ongoing speculation, the Islanders are also considering moving other assets like forwards Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Recent discussions have suggested that Dobson could potentially be part of a package deal, especially with the team's interest in acquiring star player Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.

General managers across the league, including Pittsburgh's Kyle Dubas and Calgary’s Craig Conroy, have noted that trade discussions seem consistent with previous years, despite external factors like the Four Nations break. While many deals are typically finalized closer to the deadline, the current climate could lead to more trades happening sooner rather than later.

The New York Islanders have secured the services of Tony DeAngelo, a veteran defenseman, for the remainder of the season. The signing, which was announced on Friday, involves a prorated amount of the league minimum salary of $775,000. DeAngelo will need to clear waivers before he can officially join the Islanders' roster. This addition comes as the team faces the absence of Noah Dobson, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game.

DeAngelo, known for his offensive capabilities, is expected to bolster the Islanders' power play, which currently ranks last in the NHL at a mere 12.5%. His previous season with the Carolina Hurricanes saw him tally three goals and eight assists in 31 games. Prior to this signing, DeAngelo had been playing in the KHL, where he recorded six goals and 26 assists in just 34 games. The Islanders are looking to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, currently positioned at 15th place and trailing the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card spot.