With the trade deadline approaching this Wednesday, GM Garth Snow and the New York Islanders have some options they could use before March 1.
The New York Islanders find themselves in a very interesting place in their season. With 61 games played thus far, the Islanders have a perfect idea of what their shortcomings are.Fortunately for New York, there aren’t too many inconsistencies on the roster that can’t be fixed with some discipline and coaching. But there are some holes remaining on offense, and some defensive assets that could be moved for more immediate help.
While outlandish deals will always be the focus of a fan base, the intention should be to explore the options that general manager Garth Snow has before him that could put the Islanders over their self-imposed hump.
Starting with the least feasible to the most possible, here’s our list of moves that Snow should explore before noon on March 1.
Thomas Vanek
ESNY’s projected cost: 2nd round draft pick, conditional 3rd or 4th round pick
Yes, it’s understood the bad blood that could surround a reunion with the controversial Thomas Vanek. There was some controversy that surrounded the forward after he used his Islanders paychecks to pay off gambling debt.Not only that, but he turned down a $50 million extension from Snow before he parted ways with Long Island, citing he wanted to return home to Minnesota.
After signing a three-year deal with the Wild, only to be bought out in his third year, Vanek is on a one-year contract with Detroit.
Vanek has been finding renewed life in Detroit, scoring 15 goals and 38 points in 47 games for the Red Wings.
While the Islanders shouldn’t be in the market for an expensive rental, it could be worth the second rounder it will likely cost to obtain Vanek for a few months to see if there’s still any magic that’s lingering between him and Tavares.
With the Red Wings looking at missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 years, GM Ken Holland is looking at definitely becoming a seller.
As long as he comes at the right price, a reunion could prove beneficial to Vanek and the Islanders. At 33-years-old, Vanek is likely looking for a place to settle down and see out the rest of his career at. He will likely demand a four to five-year deal if the Islanders decide there’s still something there.
Jordan Eberle
ESNY’s projected cost: Travis Hamonic + either Adam Pelech or Ryan Pulock
The trade talk surrounding most of Edmonton’s forwards have been quiet since Taylor Hall went to New Jersey.That is until the wonderful trade deadline got close.
NHL Insider Mike Commodore dropped an information bomb on the Islanders fanbase saying that talks of Jordan Eberle heading to the Islanders have picked up once again. It would take a similar trade to what brought Hall to New Jersey, but it’s unlikely that the Islanders would have to surrender as much as they nearly did for Hall in the summer.
With the emergence of Adam Pelech, Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock, the Islanders are getting crowded on D. That doesn’t include Devon Towes by the way, who catapulted up the depth chart this season.
Travis Hamonic is now considered expendable, and the league is likely on notice. Despite rescinding his trade request at the conclusion of last season, this is a business and in the words of Butch Goring: “If you don’t want to win, you probably shouldn’t be in sports.”
Eberle would be the most ideal addition to Tavares’ line. A two-way, responsible forward who scores at least 40 points a season — save for the lockout year — and someone who racks up assists just like potential line-mate Josh Bailey would be a perfect fit. With a shooter like Anders Lee or Michael Dal Colle on the opposite side, there’s a lot of potential for Eberle to be a perfect addition to the top line.
Matt Duchene
ESNY’s projected cost: Brock Nelson, Travis Hamonic, Ryan Pulock, 1st-round draft pick, possible 2nd-round draft pick
Ah, yes. The coveted center seemingly wasting away in Colorado on a team that loses 72 percent of their games.Matt Duchene seems to be on the radar of every team aspiring to make noise in the playoffs this season and beyond. Why wouldn’t he be?
Duchene is a skilled two-way forward who potted 55 points in his rookie season and never looked back. Since then, Duchene has compiled 172 goals and 413 points through 550 games spanning eight NHL seasons. Duchene set career highs in points and assists with 47 and 70 respectively in 2013-’14.
He’s coming off of his first 30-goal season and is likely to crack another 50 point season this year.
One of the teams that has been consistently linked to trade-talks regarding the talented center dating back to last season is the Isles. We’ve actually covered the topic extensively throughout the season, as is seen here.
If Duchene manages to make it to the Islanders, the price will be steep at the deadline, but he’ll likely center the second line. The Islanders need to act now. To wait for the offseason to come and pass likely gives Sakic more time to consider other offers for his coveted center. Colorado wants defense and they want young talent.
The Islanders seem to have both in droves.
As was mentioned before, Hamonic is now expendable with the emergence of defense in the pipeline. You have to give to get, and the Islanders have done enough getting in terms of prospects and pipeline assets.
It’s time to shell out some of those touted prospects to bring success more immediately. Possessing an extended history with John Tavares, Duchene is a natural fit for the Islanders and carries just a $6 million cap hit that extends for the next two seasons.