The New York Islanders are in a tough spot, and this summer is full of many unknowns. But regardless of the direction the Islanders do go, one thing is certain: They have to make a trade one way or another.
The New York Islanders are in a tough spot, and this summer is full of many unknowns. But regardless of the direction the Islanders do go, one thing is certain: They have to make a trade one way or another.
The New York Islanders are in a tough spot, and this summer is full of many unknowns.
But regardless of the direction the Islanders do go, one thing is certain: They have to make a trade one way or another.
After "running things back" last summer -- banking on what a full season of the Bo Horvat-Mathew Barzal duo could do, along with other players bouncing back from a tough 2022-23 season -- the Islanders proved to management that change is needed after their first-round exit.
During his end-of-the-season press conference, Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello could not confidently say he believed his core was good enough come season's end, something he hadn't said previously.
If Lamoriello decides to break up his core, it will come via trade.
Forwards Brock Nelson ($6M AAV, M-NTC) and Kyle Palmieri ($5M AAV, M-NTC), two 30-goal scorers this past season season, each have a year left on their deals.
If the organization was serious about breaking the group up, Nelson would likely be the first domino to fall since he has the highest trade value among players who would be on the move.
Palmieri would then follow, with Jean-Gabriel Pageau ($5M AAV, M-NTC)), in terms of trade value, coming next.
Then, conversations would be had regarding their long-term defense contracts, Adam Pelech ($5.75M AAV, NTC) and Ryan Pulock ($6.15M AAV, NMC).
But, if, after analyzing this season, the belief is not to break up the core, add to it, and retool, at least one trade would have to happen.
With $7.05 million available right now and a handful of pending free agents, there won't be much room.
So, if they want to be able to upgrade, a player like Pageau would need to be on the move to give the Islanders some financial breathing room.
$12.05 million in cap space is a much prettier number.
The Islanders could trade their 18th overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft to help clear cap space or bring in an Alexander Romanov-type player—a player who would help the team now and in the future.
Regardless of the direction the organization is heading, trades have to happen.
Making a trade would help the team improve now, whether it's creating cap space to upgrade the core or bringing back assets to help revamp a farm system for longer-term success.