New York Islanders: Top 5 Players Likely To Be Traded

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Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Nikolay Kulemin (86) checks Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad (27) during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy MarlinIslandersUSA TODAY Sports /

Nikolai Kulemin

Nikolai Kulemin has certainly been more effective than his old pal Grabovski. With his speed, grit, size, defensive prowess, and scoring touch, he has been a brilliant third line winger and honestly is the perfect mold to replace Matt Martin on the fourth line. Yet his pay is a little high for a bottom line player. If the Isles really can’t find any other way to make cap space, they may attempt to move Kulemin.

Thomas Hickey

Hickey has been one of the most pleasant surprises of all the players the Islanders have acquired throughout the years. He never evolved into the defenseman many thought he would become when he was drafted fourth overall in 2007, but he brings great positioning and shut down defense despite his size (or lack thereof). The Islanders may choose to trade him if they can’t transfer anyone else.

Christopher Gibson

Gibson had to step up big last season when all of the Islanders goalies were dropping like flies, and he did so effectively. Despite his success in the pros, he appeared rusty and shaky, and could use plenty of time to develop. But with an already crowded goalie core of Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss, Jean-Francois Berube, and Ilya Sorokin, he really would be lucky to see any time in the NHL again. The Isles may seek to dish him away to a team lacking goalie prospects.

Next: Jaroslav Halak