Every so often, the hockey world is rocked by a move so unexpected, so rare, that it leaves fans and insiders alike scrambling for answers. At the 2025 NHL Draft, two storied franchises—the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders—found themselves at the center of a trade that sent shockwaves through the league.

Whispers began to swirl as news broke from the sidelines of the draft floor, hinting at a blockbuster deal that few could have predicted.

What could possibly prompt such a bold exchange between these two teams? What was at stake, and who were the key figures involved?

As speculation ran rampant, insiders and fans alike were left to piece together the details, with only one thing certain: this was no ordinary transaction.

Adding further intrigue, a recent statement from a high-ranking Islanders executive has only deepened the mystery, suggesting that the magnitude of this trade may never be seen again in our lifetime.

What exactly happened behind closed doors, and how will this unprecedented move shape the future of both franchises?

Dive into the full story to uncover the stunning details behind a trade that has everyone in the hockey world talking—and wondering what comes next.

Photo of Islanders and Canadiens

Photo credit: NHL

On the sidelines of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders shocked the hockey world with a major trade.

It’s so rare to see something like this – but a young elite right-handed defenseman was traded.

As you know, on that day, Noah Dobson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) as well as young forward Emil Heineman.

Today, Matt Martin, who is the assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche over there, made an interesting new statement regarding this trade.

Mathieu Darche realizes just how rare the trade he agreed to with the Montreal Canadiens last month really was

Here’s the quote in question:

Matt Martin, assistant general manager of the Islanders, on the Dobson trade:

Darche said:

“Going through a trade like Dobber’s, you may never see that again. A young, RD, obviously really good Dman getting traded. Not something that happens often.”

The part that really stands out: “we might never see that again!”

Yes, the Islanders’ management fully realizes the magnitude of this trade.

We strongly recommend this full episode of the Cam & Strick Podcast.

After listening to that interview, you almost wonder if the New York Islanders regret the trade.

That said, there are several observers on Long Island who seem to really like the deal. In the end, we simply hope that this will be a win-win trade.

We hope Heineman succeeds with the Islanders, and of course, we hope Dobson becomes a star defenseman (for many years) with the Montreal Canadiens.