The NHL offseason is always full of surprises, but few moves have generated as much buzz as the recent trade involving Noah Dobson and the Montreal Canadiens.

In a league where salary cap pressures and roster decisions often go hand in hand, the New York Islanders’ decision to part ways with one of their top defensemen has sent shockwaves through the hockey world.

With the Canadiens landing a coveted right-shot blueliner and the Islanders making a bold commitment to youth and financial flexibility, questions abound about the true motivations behind the deal.

As insiders and fans alike try to make sense of the move, even star goaltender Ilya Sorokin has weighed in, offering a rare glimpse into the tough choices teams face behind closed doors.

With the new season fast approaching and the Islanders navigating a shifting roster landscape, all eyes are on how these changes will shape the team’s future.

Apr 6, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (8) celebrates the 6-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning with New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) after the game at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

As usual, Kent Hughes made a big splash at the NHL Draft by acquiring right-shot defenseman Noah Dobson.

While the Montreal Canadiens landed a top-pairing blueliner, the Islanders lost a player in his prime.

Mathieu Darche only received Emil Heineman as an active player in return, while the other two pieces in the deal-Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson-are draft picks who have yet to prove anything.

The trade surprised many, including the Islanders’ current star goaltender, Ilya Sorokin.

He revealed in an interview with RG Media that Darche chose to sacrifice Dobson in favor of Alexander Romanov.

The real reason behind Noah Dobson’s trade to the Montreal Canadiens is linked to the rise of young Alexander Romanov

That’s what Sorokin disclosed.

“That one surprised me!

But honestly, the team couldn’t keep both [Alexander] Romanov and Dobson.

The salary cap forces tough decisions-it’s the reality.

Dobson got a good contract in Montreal, and I wish him nothing but success.”

– Ilya Sorokin

As the goalie pointed out, Romanov was given an 8-year contract worth $50M, or $6.25M per year.

That’s a savings of $3.25M for the Islanders compared to Dobson’s new deal with the Canadiens.

Ilya Sorokin at the center of trade rumors!

The netminder was also asked about the trade rumors that had been swirling around him behind the scenes.

“I wasn’t surprised by the rumors-it’s part of the business.

What did surprise me, though, was how seriously people took them, even though everyone knows I have a no-trade clause.

But in the end, let them talk.”

– Ilya Sorokin

Sorokin will begin the second season of his eight-year deal this fall, which pays him $8.25M per year.

The contract includes a full no-movement clause valid through July 1, 2028, making him very difficult to trade.

After that date, he will have to submit a list of 16 teams to which he does not wish to be traded.

With Dobson gone, the goalie will need to be at his best next season to help keep the team competitive.

It won’t be easy for him, coming off a year where he posted a 2.69 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.

It will be interesting to see how the Islanders manage next season, especially with Mathieu Darche seemingly uninterested in a full rebuild.