Dobson is still on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was some hope that with Jean-Gabriel Pageau removed from the list Monday that Dobson would follow, but that didn't happen. Sunday was the first game this season in which the Islanders didn't have their top six defenders in the lineup. If Dobson doesn't clear the protocol Tuesday, then his next chance to play will be Thursday versus Philadelphia.

Dobson was placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocols list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

This explains the late scratch Sunday as both he and Jean-Gabriel Pageau were placed on the protocols list. The 21-year-old blueliner will be questionable for Tuesday's game in Washington.

Dobson (undisclosed) has been scratched for Sunday's game versus the Devils, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

There seemed to be some confusion ahead of Sunday's game, and ultimately Dobson was sent back to the dressing room before puck drop. Sebastian Aho will enter the lineup in his place.

Dobson scored his second goal of the season in the Islanders 5-2 victory over the Sabres on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Dobson has two goals, seven assists, and a plus-5 rating in 23 games. The offensive numbers will come for Dobson, but the most important stat is likely his plus-5 rating. Coach Barry Trotz is a stickler for defense first. Dobson is the Islanders' top defensive prospect, and this is his first full season in the NHL. The Isles have played it safe with him, pairing Dobson with grizzled veteran Johnny Boychuk (eye) last season and Andy Greene this year. They have kept his ice time in the 17-minute range but eventually expect him to handle 20-plus minutes per game.

Dobson is growing as a defenseman, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dobson has had a solid start this season with one goal, five assists, and a zero rating in 11 games. Coach Barry Trotz is trying to bring Dobson along slowly and also make sure he has a mentor on defense. Last season Dobson was paired with Johnny Boychuk (eye), and this year his partner has been Andy Greene. Trotz enjoys the passing and skating of Dobson and admits he has areas in which improvement is needed. Trotz and the Islanders are hopeful that Dobson can eventually be a top-pair defender.

Dobson dished out a pair of assists Thursday while adding two shots and a game-high seven blocks in a 4-1 win over New Jersey.

EDGE Analysis

The young rearguard set up goals by Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle (PP) while totaling more blocked shots than the rest of New York's defensemen combined. Dobson had one goal and six assists in 34 games as a rookie last season and appears to be taking his game to a new level as a sophomore. He's been entrusted with quarterbacking New York's top power-play unit and three of his four assists this season have come with the man advantage. Given his role and his pedigree -- he was taken 12th overall in the 2018 draft -- Dobson should be firmly on the fantasy radar.

Dobson has been seeing time on the top power-play unit for the Islanders during training camp, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

That Dobson was going to see a greater role this season was never in doubt, not with the trade of Devon Toews and Johnny Boychuk headed to LTIR. Dobson practiced on that top power-play unit with Ryan Pulock as coach Barry Trotz prefers to have a right-handed shot opposite Pulock. He has the skills to stay there but how well he plays at even strength will be the true indicator of his ice time. In the 34 games that Dobson played last season, he averaged 13:17 minutes of ice time. Whether he averages 15 minutes or 18 minutes this season will depend upon how well he plays in his own zone.

Dobson is expected to see an increase in his time on ice this season, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Barry Trotz has stated that Dobson needed experience and also to get stronger. Dobson averaged 13:17 minutes last season but will be expected to play more this season as a regular on the third pair along with Andy Greene. Under Trotz, the Islanders play a defensive game and Trotz won't hesitate to bench Dobson should his play not be up to par. That being said, Dobson will be given every opportunity to prove to Trotz and the Islanders that he deserves an even bigger opportunity, one that was expected of him when he was drafted in the first-round in 2018.

Dobson is not in the lineup and will again sit out as a healthy scratch in Game 5 on Tuesday against the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Dobson made some waves by taking a twirl for pregame warmups, and though head coach Barry Trotz is rolling with seven defensemen with the Islanders facing elimination, it's veteran Johnny Boychuk that got the nod. The 20-year-old will need to wait to make his postseason debut.

Dobson is taking part in pregame warmups ahead of Game 5 against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, per Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

The 2018 12th overall pick hasn't suited up for game action since the last game of the regular season (March 10). Dobson has sat out the entirety of the postseason as a healthy scratch, but lineup changes appear imminent with the Islanders down 3-1 in the series. We'll provide an update once we know whether Dobson is in the lineup or not.