Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson looks on during practice at the Northwell Ice Center on Monday. Credit: Corey Sipkin
As if you needed any more confirmation, Barry Trotz said it outright Tuesday: This year is Noah Dobson’s time to step into the spotlight.
A day after Trotz said the 20-year-old would be skating with 38-year-old Andy Greene in the third defensive pairing, the Islanders coach essentially said that last season was a testing ground for Dobson. "He’s ready to take a real big piece of ice time this year," Trotz said.
Dobson, who averaged 13:17 minutes last season, needed to get stronger, Trotz said.