New York Islanders Nikolai Kulemin on the Trading Block

Three wins out of their last four is certainly impressive for the New York Islanders, but there are still some gaps in the lineup. Names are flying left and right, some aren’t really ones you’d expect for what they want.

So by that incredibly vague title, I’m talking about a rumor that has the New York Islanders putting Nikolai Kulemin on the trading block in search for a top-six forward.

Straight up it makes no sense what so ever. It’s not that Kulemin isn’t worth anything at all but a top-six forward he is not. Let’s just go over some of his numbers this season.

In 22 games played the Russian forward has two goals and three assists, for a total of five points. Putting him on pace for 18 points come season end, assuming he plays the remainder of the schedule.

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Assuming that holds, it means Kulemin’s career is clearly on a downward trajectory with 31 and 22 points in his last two seasons.

So what does he really have to offer in a trade? Oh, he also comes with a $4.1875 million cap hit for the next two years.

The Isles Appeal is Real

The appeal in trading him is clearly real from an Islanders perspective. Why wouldn’t you want to trade him after hearing all those numbers?

Getting him off the roster would open the door for a young prospect like the ones Isles fans have been clamoring to join the senior squad out in Bridgeport. And save the Isles something along the lines of $3.3 million based on the cheapest option, like a Joshua Ho-Sang or Michael Dal Colle.

But what’s the reality he can actually be moved? Just on those numbers alone, no chance. As part of a package, it could work. But what’s coming back the Isles way probably isn’t anything of value.

Which really puts a damper on the whole trade prospect. And any nothing of bringing one of those skilled kids up in the process.

Next: Capunonsense Compendium

The prospect of putting Kulemin on the trading block is great. But let’s be honest, we all know there isn’t much coming back the Isles way with Kulemin alone. Assuming the Isles are looking for top six forward, and not draft pick consideration that will likely come our way should he actually leave in a trade.