New York Islanders: Top 5 Players Likely To Be Traded

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May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Islanders defensive core has been more stable and prosperous than it has been in years.

The Isles have brilliant shut down defenseman in Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic, as well as offensive stability with Nick Leddy and now Ryan Pulock. Couple this with a solid bottom pairing defenseman in Thomas Hickey, who has proven that despite his size he can play lock down defense.

Throughout his tenure in the pros, he has been a stable and effective defenseman, but never really brought the offensive production the team always anticipated him to have when they drafted him 12th overall in 2009.

He hasn’t exceeded 16 points in a single season and often struggles to carry the puck and move it at the professional’s pace. And with a cap hit of $2.4 million annually, you would think he would be producing a little more.

Trading him to give the club some breathing room could be the best option for the Isles, especially when you consider young guns Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield, who could easily fill the void that de Haan would leave.

Rebuilding teams are always in the market for defensemen, and a young promising Calvin de Haan could be the perfect fit for a bottom of the barrel team willing to take the chance on him.

Next: Josh Bailey