In the high-stakes world of the NHL, blockbuster trades often leave fans and analysts alike searching for answers. When the New York Islanders made the surprising decision to part ways with star defenseman Noah Dobson, the hockey community was left buzzing with speculation and unanswered questions.

How could a franchise let go of such a talented young player, especially one considered a cornerstone of their blue line? As rumors swirled and theories multiplied, a new layer of intrigue emerged—one that pointed not to on-ice performance, but to what was happening behind the scenes.

Recent reports from respected insiders have started to shed light on the real story, suggesting that the roots of Dobson’s departure may run much deeper than anyone initially realized. At the center of this unfolding drama is Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, whose relationship with Dobson has come under intense scrutiny.

Whispers of tension, disagreements, and a deteriorating dynamic between coach and player have now surfaced, hinting at a far more complex situation than a simple roster move. As new details come to light, fans are left to wonder just how much personal dynamics can shape the fate of a franchise—and what this means for both Dobson and the Islanders moving forward.

Patrick Roy and Noah Dobson

Photo credit: NHL

Why did the New York Islanders choose to trade an elite defenseman like Noah Dobson?

Maxime Truman of DansLesCoulisses may have just provided a clue to help us find the answer.

Noah Dobson’s future with the Islanders may have been sealed the moment Mathieu Darche announced that Patrick Roy would remain as head coach there.

Let me explain.

Patrick Roy Didn’t Think Much of Noah Dobson, and Their Relationship Was Rotten, According to Maxime Truman

Check out what he posted shortly after the official announcement of the trade.

“Bluntly put, Roy didn’t think Dobson was very good. I’m told the relationship was rotten.”

– Max Truman

This indeed corroborates what Eric Leblanc of RDS reported.

“A well-informed source confirmed to RDS that the relationship between Noah Dobson and Patrick Roy was not good.

Time will tell if this situation helped the Canadiens.”

Truman went even further, mentioning that the relationship between the two was downright “rotten”.. Wow!

Even before the trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders was announced, here’s what was reported on the DansLesCoulisses website.

“It should be noted that Dobson might not be exactly Patrick Roy’s type of player. The relationship between the two men was reportedly one of the reasons behind the defenseman’s desire for a fresh start.

Would things be better with Martin St-Louis?”

Very interesting.