This NHL offseason has already delivered its fair share of surprises, but few moves have sparked as much debate as the blockbuster trades involving Noah Dobson and K’Andre Miller.

With both defensemen landing on new teams—Dobson joining the Montreal Canadiens and Miller heading to the Carolina Hurricanes—the hockey world is buzzing with speculation about which franchise made the bigger splash. These acquisitions didn’t come cheap, each costing multiple high draft picks and promising young talent, signaling just how much both organizations believe in their new stars.

Now, as fans and analysts alike weigh the potential impact of these headline-grabbing deals, one expert’s bold prediction has ignited even more conversation. As the dust settles on a whirlwind summer, all eyes are on Dobson and Miller to see who will truly make the biggest mark in their new homes.

Photo of Noah Dobson and K'Andre Miller

Photo credit: NHL

Aside from the quiet signing of Mitch Marner by the Vegas Golden Knights, the two biggest acquisitions of the summer go to the Canadiens and the Hurricanes.

The Montreal Canadiens, of course, acquired defenseman Noah Dobson, while the Carolina Hurricanes picked up defenseman K’Andre Miller.

Dobson cost Montreal: two first-round picks and forward Emil Heineman.

Miller cost Carolina: a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defenseman Scott Morrow.

We’re talking about fairly similar prices.

That said, according to expert Jonny Lazarus from Daily Faceoff, Miller will in fact be better in Carolina than Noah Dobson will be in Montreal. Wow.

The Hurricanes’ major acquisition K’Andre Miller will be better than the Canadiens’ major acquisition Noah Dobson, according to Jonny Lazarus

Now that’s surprising.

“I think K’Andre Miller will end up being a more important piece in Carolina than Noah Dobson will be in Montreal, and I don’t think that’s a hot take by any means.”

– Jonny Lazarus

He clearly sees big things for Miller!

K’Andre Miller, 25 years old, is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound left-shot defenseman who recorded 27 points in 74 games last season (132 points in 368 NHL games).
He was the 22nd overall pick in 2018.

Noah Dobson, also 25, is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-shot defenseman who posted 39 points in 71 games last season (230 points in 388 NHL games).
He was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft as well.

And in your opinion, which of these major acquisitions will have the biggest impact with their new team?