Dobson is unlikely to start the season with the Islanders, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dobson is the top defensive prospect for New York and is probably ready to play in the NHL, but unless the Islanders make a trade or there's an injury in training camp, the fact remains that they already have seven NHL-caliber defenders in camp. Under contract for the Isles are Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk, Ryan Pulock, Thomas Hickey, Adam Pelech, Scott Mayfield and Devon Toews. That means one of those players will have to be a healthy scratch for every game, and if the team were to add Dobson, two would have to watch from the press box on a nightly basis. There have been rumors for several months that Leddy could be moved via trade. That would not only free up a roster spot, but also alleviate some salary cap issues for the Isles. However, at the moment nothing seems to be close. Dobson could force the issue with a lights out training camp, but in the end, he seems ticketed to begin the season with AHL Bridgeport.