What's Next For Islanders After Nelson Trade?

When the New York Islanders sent pending unrestricted free agent forward Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche for top prospect Calum Ritchie, it signaled a shift in the franchise's focus. 

But, I don't believe the Islanders are done. 

The belief was always that if Nelson was traded, it would be the first of many dominos to fall for Long Island. 

Up next on the docket is pending UFA Kyle Palmieri.

There is belief, like with Nelson, that the Islanders are trying to re-sign Palmieri, but it's clear that general manager Lou Lamoriello has drawn a line. 

And if the deal can't be met within his parameters, expect Palmieri to be on the move. 

I think a Jordan Eberle-type deal -- two years at $4.75 million annually -- is a fair contract for the 34-year-old, who has arguably been the most consistent player under head coach Patrick Roy. 

The Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and New Jersey Devils are some teams to watch.

I'd also keep an eye on Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has one season left on his $5 million deal and a modified 16-team no-trade clause. 

I know the Islanders have received many calls on Pageau, and with Nelson gone and Palmieri potentially heading out too, it just makes sense for the Islanders to keep the trade momentum going. 

Pageau is having a tremendous bounce-back season, with 11 goals in 58 games after just 11 in 82. He has 19 assists to go along with the goals, bringing his point total to 30. That's three shy of his 33 from last season. 

He's won 59.6 percent of his face-offs, which would be a career high.

Pageau's value has never been higher. 

I've heard a third-round pick with or potentially a second with salary retained. Keep an eye on the Vegas Golden Knights. The Edmonton Oilers were another team that had shown interest but would say their acquisition of Boston Bruins’ forward Trent Frederic fills that hole.

While moving a captain is never ideal, Anders Lee's bounce-back season has made his value as high as it will likely ever be again.

His 43 points (23 goals, 20 assists) have already exceeded last season's totals (20 goals, 17 assists) across the board. 

Lee, 34, has a modified no-trade clause of 15 teams with one season left on his deal at $7 million annually.  

While the Islanders can't afford to trade every center rostered, since there are games to be played with Long Island still alive in the wild-card race, Casey Cizikas is another name to pay attention to.

Cizikas has looked better lately, but it's been a tough season for the 34-year-old, who is in season four of a six-year deal worth $2.5 million annually. 

He has zero trade protection. 

Regarding the defense, there's a clear log-jam, which likely played a part in the quick flip of Oliver Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks after getting him in the Nelson deal. 

I don’t believe there have been contract negotiations with either of the three defensemen acquired: Tony DeAngelo (pending UFA), Adam Boqvist (pending RFA), and Scott Perunovich (pending RFA).

That can be pushed to the end of the season unless the Islanders try to flip one or more at the deadline.

Including Isaiah George and Mike Reilly, the Islanders have 11 NHL-quality defensemen, seven of whom are pending free agents: Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, Alexander Romanov (RFA), Noah Dobson (RFA), Scott Mayfield, Reilly (UFA), DeAngelo (UFA), Boqvist (UFA), Perunovich (UFA), George, and Cholowski (UFA). 

There's a log-jam and at least one should be moved for an asset. 

At the bottom of the trade deadline totem pole is a goaltender. 

If the Islanders are going full retool, Jakub Skarek will get game down the stretch to give Ilya Sorokin a breather. 

But with the Islanders only four points back of a wild-card spot, selling doesn't mean they won't try to win games and potentially make the playoffs. 

If that's their intention, it may make sense to go get a more suitable backup with Marcus Hogberg (upper body) still on the mend and Semyon Varlamov (lower body, out indefinitely) nowhere to be found. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.