New York Islanders Linked to Inexplicable Trade for Trouba

Rumors are never a certainty, that’s what makes then rumors. But when the New York Islanders were recently linked to a wantaway Winnipeg Jets defenceman things just ridiculous.

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba apparently wants out of Manitoba’s capital city, according to Sportsnet’s Elliot Freidman. And shortly afterward (as in two hours later), a rumor emerged that the New York Islanders would be willing to help out the Jets.

The rumored trade would be a straight swap of Winnipeg’s Trouba for the Islanders Travis Hamonic.

If that was early 2016 I’d say this deal was a no-brainer. At the time Hamonic was looking to go back home to Winnipeg to be with family and had let his intentions be known with the Islanders brass.

A straight swap for what would have been two young wantaway assets of similar quality just makes sense.

But now, nine months into 2016 the climate for such a deal is all but gone. Hamonic rescinded his trade request in May wanting to stay with his Islanders teammates (also, that sick family member is thankfully better).

Related Story: Travis Hamonic Wants to Stay in Brooklyn

There’s Just No Reason

So does this rumor have legs to it? Absolutely not. Mainly for the reasons you’re probably thinking of. Hamonic just means too much to this team. Hamonic is a strong presence in the Islanders dressing room, enamoring himself to his teammates and the fan base.

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But even if, for some reason you discredit that as a factor in trading Hamonic, you still have to consider production, age, and cost.

In terms of production, it’s a whitewash between the two. Both Trouba and Hamonic are good for somewhere between 20-30 points in a season.

Trouba has an advantage in the age/size department with Hamonic being three year’s Trouba’s senior and has a full inch on Hamonic (that was a sarcastic inch, because who cares about just an inch).

When it comes to cost, Hamonic has an incredibly friendly $3.875 million deal that spans another four years. Trouba is an RFA with no current deal after the expiration of his four-year ELC.

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We’ve seen irresponsible and careless rumors being put out there. This one is just another. This rumor only has legs if Hamonic still wants to go back home. Without that incredibly unlikely occurrence, this rumor holds about as much water as a paper cup.