In a stunning twist that has set the hockey world abuzz, a single decision may have changed the fate of two NHL franchises—and fans are only now beginning to learn the full story.

The Montreal Canadiens’ acquisition of star defenseman Noah Dobson has already been hailed as a masterstroke, but new revelations from Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell suggest the outcome could have been very different.

Waddell’s recent statement has sent shockwaves through the league, hinting at a dramatic behind-the-scenes tug-of-war that pitted the Canadiens against a desperate Blue Jackets front office.

What exactly happened in those high-stakes trade negotiations? Why did Columbus, despite reportedly offering a sweeter deal, ultimately lose out on Dobson?

And who was the one player the Blue Jackets refused to part with—possibly altering the course of their franchise for years to come? Even more intriguing, what role did Dobson’s own wishes play in this tangled web of offers, counteroffers, and last-minute decisions?

As details slowly emerge, it’s clear that the story behind this blockbuster trade is far more complex—and compelling—than anyone imagined. Dive in to discover the secrets, the strategies, and the shockers that nearly changed everything.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson (left) Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell

Photo credit: All Habs

In a statement that is making waves in the hockey world, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell drops a major bombshell about Noah Dobson.

Blue Jackets’ GM revealed his team could have landed star defenseman Noah Dobson, now a member of the Montreal Canadiens, if they had agreed to include forward Dmitry Voronkov in a trade with the New York Islanders.

Friedman on 32TP says Noah Dobson wanted to go to Montreal, Columbus is rumoured to have offered a better package to the Islanders, believes Dmitri Voronkov was in the deal and they were going to give Dobson a higher AAV.

“The name of Dmitry Voronkov came up in the trade talks for Noah Dobson but we always said no.

The reported information was wrong.

If we had agreed to trade Voronkov, we would have been the ones to acquire Dobson, but we weren’t ready to let him go.”

– Don Waddell

This statement confirms that several teams were seriously in the running to acquire Dobson, a highly sought-after right-handed defenseman who has exploded offensively over the past two seasons.

Ultimately, it was the Montreal Canadiens who managed to convince him, in a transaction whose full details have still not been made public.

The refusal to give up Voronkov, a 24-year-old Russian forward, speaks volumes about the Blue Jackets’ intentions. They are betting big on the development of their young core and seem to believe that Voronkov can become a key player for their team in the long term.

A Perfect Outcome for the Montreal Canadiens

On the Montreal side, this revelation adds weight to the acquisition of Dobson. Not only did the Canadiens secure a top-tier defenseman, but they did it right under the noses of multiple contenders, including Columbus.

The organization can thus celebrate having won this battle on the trade market.

For Montreal fans, it’s further proof that the rebuild plan is starting to pay off. And for Columbus, it will be up to Dmitry Voronkov to justify the team’s confidence in him, knowing they said no to a defenseman of Noah Dobson’s caliber.