? Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson day-to-day with upper-body injury, will not play Saturday

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Tyler Kuehl | Last updated 4/13/24

One of the top blueliners on Long Island is not going to be playing in an important game on Saturday.

New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy told the media that defenseman Noah Dobson is unavailable for the team’s afternoon matchup with the New York Rangers due to an upper-body injury.

Roy also stated that Dobson is being listed as day-to-day.

Patrick Roy says Noah Dobson (upper body) is day to day, not playing today. #Isles
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) April 13, 2024

Dobson left during the first period of Thursday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens due to an injury. It has not been revealed what exactly is ailing the 24-year-old, but Dobson appeared to be hit on his left wrist by teammate Alexander Romanov’s stick, before taking another hit from Canadiens’ forward Juraj Slakovsky.

Not much going on here but they're saying Noah Dobson left the game after this play. pic.twitter.com/SVYpubDgD5
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) April 11, 2024

The Islanders losing a key member of their roster this late in the season, still trying to clinch a playoff berth, is not beneficial.

Dobson has been having a career season, scoring 10 goals and 70 points in 79 games, good for seventh among NHL defensemen. His 60 assists has him tied with Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi for most d-men helpers.

The 2018 12th-overall pick has continuously improved his game since making his debut with the Isles during the 2019-20 season. He has been on the top defense pair and quarterbacking the top power-play unit this season.

There are multiple scenarios on Saturday that could see the @NYIslanders qualify for the #StanleyCup Playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons. #NHLStats: https://t.co/sSbeX9oUPg pic.twitter.com/z6ubmhwNtj
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 13, 2024

The Islanders (37-27-15) are currently third in the Metropolitan Division, three points ahead of the Penguins, and four ahead of the Red Wings and Capitals.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: