Islanders Trade Deadline Possibilities

Jan 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Daniel Winnik (26) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

NYI receives: C Daniel Winnik

TOR receives: 2016 3rd round pick, LW John Persson

Why it makes sense for Islanders: Daniel Winnik may be the best fit for the Islanders come March 2nd. The 29 year-old center is a fantastic penalty killer which would help the Islanders who rank 29th in the league on the PK. Winnik has 6 goals and 17 assists for the Toronto Maple Leafs this year, along with a fantastic +/- 14 rating which shows how good of a two-way forward he can be, even on a bad Maple Leafs team. Winnik would provide grit and much needed playoff experience. He is set to become a free agent after the season ends.

Why it makes sense for Toronto: With the Maple Leafs likely to be trading away most of their assets come March 2nd, Winnik’s time with Toronto will most likely be coming to an end. According to TSN and ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Leafs will be looking for two draft picks or a second round pick plus a prospect. No one has met Toronto’s asking price so that’s why I think the Islanders only have to give up a 3rd round pick plus prospect John Persson who will most likely not be with the big club for a while. The 22 year-old Swedish prospect, who was a 5th round pick of the Islanders back in 2011, has 18 points in 36 games in the minors this year and is a very expandable player.