The Islanders 2023-24 roster is mostly complete yet they still have a few question marks. They need depth at the wing, especially if Zach Parise decides to retire, and could benefit from another defenseman. Given their salary cap woes, the only way for them to find these improvements would be via trade. Who could the Islanders potentially target for a trade ahead of the new season?
Jake DeBrusk
Of all the potential trade candidates, DeBrusk makes the most sense for the Islanders. He’s a young, 26-year old player coming off his best all-around NHL season. Of particular interest to the Islanders would be his goal scoring ability, netting 27-goals during the 2021-22 season. And on top of being a logical fit for the team, the Islanders and Bruins could make great trade partners.
The Bruins have found themselves short at the center position with the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. This gives the Islanders the opportunity to shop J.G. Pageau and his $5 million AAV to the Bruins in a potential DeBrusk trade. The only downside to this trade is the fact that DeBrusk will be in need of a new, more expensive contract after this season. But in the immediate future, DeBrusk presents an affordable, high quality addition to a position of need for the Islanders.
William Nylander
News of Auston Matthews’ massive $53 million contract has left some questions about William Nylander’s status with the Maple Leafs. With Nylander also due for a new contract on a cap strapped team, trade rumors have started to swirl. If Nylander does become available he’s a no-brainer for the Islanders to pursue. He’s an elite offensive playmaker in the heart of his prime that also just had back to back seasons of 30+ goals. Adding Nylander to this team will be an instant and massive upgrade to the team’s offensive unit.
The big question mark on a potential Nylander trade is whether or not the Islanders could afford him. They lack the kind of high value assets that would likely be needed to land a player of Nylander’s caliber. Plus there’s the concern of fitting in his current contract and trying to make room for his new extension. However, it would be foolish for the Islanders to not at least try to make a run for such a game changing player should he become available.
Andrew Peeke
The Islanders have needed an upgrade at wing for a while, but that wasn’t their only problematic position last season. They never found a consistent sixth defenseman throughout last season. Sebastian Aho got most of the playing time at that spot, although he didn’t provide much from a defensive standpoint. That’s why a player like Andrew Peeke could be a nice addition to this Islanders roster.
The 25-year-old defenseman is known for his ability to handle a significant workload and his stay-at-home style of play. Adding to his fit with the Islanders is his efficiency as a hitter, finishing with 180 hits last season. He also has a super team friendly contract with an AAV of $2.75 million over the next three seasons. Peeke would provide a very cost efficient option to solidify the Islanders depth at defenseman for the foreseeable future.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
Check out our NHL page for more updates!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers like Justin!
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Automotive / EVs, Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- ChartPrime. Elevate your Trading Game with ChartPrime. Access Here.
- BlockOffsets. Modernizing Environmental Offset Ownership. Access Here.
- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/nhl/potential-islanders-trade-targets/2023/08/28/
