Noah Dobson Trade Rumors Intensify After Joining Auston Matthews' Agency

Word coming out of New York is that the Islanders are looking to keep long-time center Brock Nelson around amidst talks of trades and free agency, and could be dangling Noah Dobson as a potential piece.

So in the middle of all this discussion, Dobson made a move that could signal his way out of New York is imminent -- one way or another.

Dobson changing agents at such a crucial time leads us to wonder -- is Noah Dobson headed out?

It's not too unusual to see players change agencies when it comes to representation, but they don't often do it in the middle of the season amidst trade talks.

Very interestingly is who he changed to. With Dobson naming Judd Moldaver as his agent, he now fits under the same umbrella as Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid.

Also joining names like Zach Werenski and Roman Josi, Dobson is the latest big name to join Moldaver's contingent.

He also joins Olivier Fortier's agency as well -- who represents Alexis Lafrenière and Anthony Mantha as well.

Coincidentally, Dobson leaving his former agency to join Toronto's Auston Matthews has him leaving arguably Toronto's biggest prospect: Easton Cowan -- who is signed under Dobson's former agent Andrew Maloney.

The Maple Leafs have been making headlines recently being attached to Dobson, so could Matthews be in his ear about making the jump?

He would be the perfect fit for the Maple Leafs blueline and no doubt would give Morgan Rielly a huge boost and a reliable defensive partner.

This season, Dobson has 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 46 games for the Islanders while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time; he is currently on the LTIR but is expected back soon.

Dobson is expected to garner a huge return for the Islanders, and is expected to fetch at least a first-round pick, a high-end prospect and an NHL-ready prospect for the 25-year old.

He is in the final year of his three-year, $12M deal and is set to be restricted free agent.

Dobson's midseason change is certainly interesting and something to keep an eye on -- and his name may be back in the headlines again very soon.