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

The New York Islanders are currently amid a surge back into the playoff race. During this surge, Noah Dobson suffered a major injury and won’t return until after the Four Nation Face-Off.

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.

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 exact time frames for Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield to return aren’t known, but Dobson and Pulock — whose time frames are longer — are expected to begin skating during the 4 Nations break, with Mayfield having been described as day to day heading into the two-week layoff.

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