Assemble hockey fans! The New York Islanders have just made a low-key power move that’s got the whole NHL community buzzing. They’ve traded for one offensive defenseman from the St. Louis Blues, sending a conditional 5th-round pick for the 2026 NHL Draft in return. But wait up, there’s a catch. Wonder why this trade comes right after the Noah Dobson injury? Well, fans are freaking out, thinking this is the Isles’ way of trying to patch up their defense before it completely gets damaged.

Dobson has been a beast on the Islanders’ blue line; after his injury, he has left the Isles in a tight spot. The news of his return is still unaccounted for, which means the Isles could be in for a rough ride unless they make some waves. And just like that, here comes Perunovich. Is this a sign that the Isles are panicking over Dobson’s injury, or is it just a calculated move?

There have been rumors, but now it’s confirmed!

First, let’s talk about Dobson. This guy’s been putting in the work—he has 6 goals, 24 points, and has been an absolute presence on defense with 143 shots, 81 blocked shots, and 42 hits across 46 games this season. He was crucial, but now? He’s out with that lower-body injury that occurred on 20th January at 1:14 of the third period on a 3-1 win because of a hit by Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger and then he was placed on LTIR. Though it won’t require surgery, nonetheless, time is crucial. Dobson’s status is week-to-week, which means he won’t be back until at least after the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, according to PuckPedia.

And don’t get it twisted—Dobson’s struggles this season are not in shadow. After racking up 70 points last year, his performance this season didn’t quite hit the same mark and that is concerning. Fans were already worried, but this injury has only added to the pressure on the Isles’ defense. So, right now the biggest question on everyone’s mind is if Scott Perunovich is the answer.

On January 28th, the New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) posted on their official X account, announcing, “Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired defenseman Scott Perunovich from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional 5th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.”

When it comes to this very move, it is safe to say that the transaction has definitely got people wondering if the Islanders are making this trade specifically to fill the gap left by Dobson. As Scott Perunovich is known for his killer offensive skills, he could be the offensive boost that the Isles need for the time being while they figure out their defense without Dobson. With Noah Dobson sidelined for an unknown period, Perunovich’s 6 points this season (2 goals, 4 assists) could be just what the Isles need to keep things moving for them, and fans have gone crazy over the same!

How are the New York Islanders fans taking this trade?

Since the post, fans have been all over the place. One fan said, “Wow, this is actually a really good value trade for us… Perunovich is a good skater, and I’d label him as an offensive defenseman. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Love it!” This fan’s on point—Perunovich’s 6 points in 24 games this season show he’s got some solid offensive upside. If he can carry that over to the Isles, it could be a big win for them.

Another New York Islanders fan, in disbelief, said, “W??? Isles managed to get this dude for a 5th???” A 5th-round pick for a 26-year-old defenseman with some serious potential? That’s like finding a hidden gem for next to nothing. Perunovich’s offensive skill set might have been overshadowed in St. Louis, but this trade seems like a massive steal for the Isles. But not everyone’s sold. One fan pointed out, “I mean sure. This guy will be a fine placeholder while other dudes get healthy.” And that’s fair. With Dobson out for at least a few weeks and the Isles possibly facing more injuries, Perunovich is likely just holding down the fort for now. But hey, if he performs well in the meantime, maybe he’ll prove to be more than just a short-term fix.

Another goes like, “Good luck to him. If you guys can get him to shoot the puck & stay healthy, he can be a good offensive D-man.” Perunovich had some shoulder issues in October of 2022; he missed the entire 2022-23 season, and he’s also known to hesitate when it comes to pulling the trigger on shots after that. If the Isles can get him to play more aggressively and stay healthy, though, he could be a solid addition.

Finally, some fans are worried about Ryan Pulock and whether he’s dealing with a long-term injury too. One fan posted, “Which means Pulock is injured long term ughhhh.” While the New York Islanders haven’t confirmed Pulock’s status, he was placed on LITR on 27th January for an upper body injury. The move to acquire Perunovich suggests the team is preparing for more potential defensive absences, just in case. What do you think?