Noah Dobson has been the only player in the Islanders' top four not plagued by injuries this season, but his status has been a major concern since Monday night.
Dobson left the game 1:16 into the third period of the 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets with what appeared to be a foot injury caused by a hit by Cole Schillinger.
The video shows Dobson's right leg appearing to bend in the wrong direction as he falls to the ice.
Coach Patrick Roy did not provide an update on the defenseman's status after the game.
“I haven't talked to anyone yet,” Roy said. “So I think I'll have more to say tomorrow.”
Dobson, who plays on the Islanders' top power play unit and averages 24 minutes, 12 seconds on ice, will be a big loss for a defense that has been plagued by injuries all season.
The Islanders brought back Alexander Romanov on Monday after missing Saturday's game against the Flyers with an upper-body injury, but they face the possibility of losing Dobson, the other half of their top duo.
If Dobson misses time, Dennis Cholowski will likely return to the lineup.
This isn't the first time Kyle Palmieri's name has been thrown around heading into the NHL trade deadline, and it wouldn't be the first time the Islanders would trade him if they decide to move the winger.
But there's one difference between now and when Palmieri had to worry about being traded.
“Knowing” [Islanders general manager] Lou [Lamoriello] Like us, I don't think there's a lot of rumors other than just rumors,” Palmieri said before the Isles played against Columbus on Monday. “For me, I'm just focused on the players on this team and what happens happens. It's really out of my control.”
Lamoriello, who has kept his information under wraps, said earlier this month that he was not focused on becoming a seller at the trade deadline and believed the Islanders could still make the playoffs.
Palmieri is on the 16-team no-trade list, but as a proven goal scorer he will likely cost the Islanders at least a second- or third-round pick from a playoff team on loan.
“It's not easy [to deal with]” Palmieri said. “Of course, turn on the TV and listen to whatever it is. There are rumors like that going around. But realistically, you have to stay focused.”
Hudson Fassing (upper body) skated Monday in a non-contact jersey for the first time since being injured on Jan. 5.
“Every day he [making] Let’s progress and see what happens,” Roy said.
