New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson has changed player agencies just weeks before the trade deadline, fueling speculation about his future. While it’s not uncommon for players to switch agents, doing so in the middle of the season—especially amid trade speculation—has raised a few eyebrows.

New York Islanders No. 1 defenseman Noah Dobson is rumored to be on the NHL trade block, and the San Jose Sharks should be all over trying to acquire him.

The Islanders must trade Noah Dobson at the deadline amid a defensive overhaul that could lead to a massive deal.

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Noah Dobson’s name has recently come up in trade rumors. Whether he’s actually on the trade block is up for debate, but it does raise an interesting question about the defenseman: Is he a part of the New York Islanders’ long-term plans?

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, speaking on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, clarified that while Dobson isn’t widely available, the Islanders have had “specific” trade talks that may have involved moving him under the right circumstances.

The Islanders are changing their trade deadline priorities, looking to move Noah Dobson while extending Brock Nelson.

According to RG, the Islanders are shopping Dobson: Dobson is currently on long-term injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury on Jan. 4. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he could return to the ice during the latter part of the upcoming two-week break, but there is no timetable for when he will be game-ready.

The New York Islanders are in a weird spot. They’re still relatively close to a postseason spot, just four points out with a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 games.