Sammi Silber
The New York Islanders got down to business on Monday, issuing qualifying offers to RFA defensemen Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov, general manager Lou Lamoriello announced.
New York acquired Romanov from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2022 NHL Draft in a trade for their No. 13 pick, which the Canadiens then flipped to the Chicago Blackhawks for Kirby Dach.
In 79 games for Montreal in 2021-22, Romanov dished three goals and 10 assists and posted a +/- of minus-9 with the last-place Canadiens. The 6-1, 209-pound blueliner is still an up-and-comer that can help the Islanders’ d-corps.
Romanov is not eligible for an offer sheet. However, the Russian did receive a contract offer from his former KHL team, CSKA Moscow.
The Islanders also qualified Dobson, an integral part of their blue line. Dobson is coming off an breakout season that saw him dish 13 goals and 38 assists for a career-high 51 points in 80 games. The 22-year-old right-hand shot is coming off a three-year entry-level contract. He is likely in for a decent pay raise given his ability and upside.
Forward Kiefer Bellows also received a qualifying offer. Bellows
