Could the New York Islanders Make a Trade?

With just six wins in their first 17 games of this season, the New York Islanders find themselves struggling to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. A seven-game winless skid (0-4-3) before Saturday's win over Calgary had Islanders fans chanting for the firings of GM Lou Lamoriello and coach Lane Lambert during a couple of recent home games.

Lamoriello isn't going anywhere, but there is speculation he could be shopping around for help. On Nov. 17, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said he believed the Isles GM could be interested in acquiring a defenseman from the Calgary Flames.

Earlier this month, Nikita Zadorov requested a trade from the Flames through his agent. Reports subsequently emerged that management was also willing to entertain offers for Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.

Friedman thinks the asking price for one of those rearguards could be a young forward. He suggested Oliver Wahlstrom might entice the Flames, adding that the 23-year-old Isles winger might benefit from a change of scenery.

However, a couple of pundits covering the Islanders are skeptical that a trade would suitably address the club's woes.

The Athletic's Arthur Staple recently recommended against it, saying it would cost them a first-round pick or one of their few well-regarded prospects to land an impact player. Ethan Sears of the New York Post felt the Islanders have few moveable assets, suggesting a coaching change might be more worthwhile to shake things up.

Lamoriello will likely remain patient, given the stagnant trade market due to the high number of teams with limited cap space. That includes his own club with just about $683,000 in cap room. Any moves he makes at this point will probably be dollar-in, dollar-out.