The Detroit red wings in talks to acquire Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders

If the GM of the Detroit Red Wings is serious about improving the blueline, he'll have to part ways with prospects or picks. One of those players being targeted is the New York Islanders' Noah Dobson, who may come at a hefty price.

But given how poorly the Red Wings' defense has played lately, it's a necessary cost when it comes to putting yourself into playoff contention.

For the Red Wings, their window has been shut for the last nine seasons, and Dobson could be the next step to finding consistent play on the backend.

While it's arguable that GM Ken Holland fouled up at the 2018 NHL Draft selecting Filip Zadina at 6th overall instead of Dobson, the time to course-correct is now.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the New York Islanders are testing the market on defenseman Noah Dobson and could find themselves making a deal in the future.

For Yzerman and the Red Wings, it looks as if they might have to give up a top prospect like Jonatan Berggren and a veteran like J.T. Compher in exchange for the former first-round pick.

With the team expecting to land defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters, Dobson's time may be at an end on Long Island in 2025.

He's a pending RFA and is contending with the idea of having to give Dobson a raise, and could trade him.

He'd be a huge upgrade on Detroit's right side as he scored 39 points (10-29) in 2024-25, and was only a season removed from his 70-point year in 2023-24.