Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders Play for Alex Galchenyuk Would Be Wise

By Michel Anderson

Apr 7, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gives way a t-shirt after the game against Tampa Bay Lightning at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gives way a t-shirt after the game against Tampa Bay Lightning at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’re coming down to the wire of the NHL Expansion mandated trade freeze and the New York Islanders have yet to make a move. What about a late play for Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk?

According to some NHL insiders Montréal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk is being shopped. There’s no word that the New York Islanders are having any discussions with Marc Bergevin. Even though they absolutely should.

There hasn’t been a player false started as much as Alex Galchenyuk, at least in recent memory. He was drafted third overall by the Montréal Canadiens in 2012 to be their number one center. And over the years he’s been given that role a handful of times.

Former coach Michel Therrien played him on the wing for much of his tenure. While new coach Claude Julien has him playing center, just somewhere in Montréal’s bottom six.

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How Does He Fit

Under a Capuano system picking up Alex Galchenyuk wouldn’t make any sense. His defense first and conservative approach would make a player who’s been criticized for his defensive responsibilities obsolete.

Thankfully those days are gone. Jack Capuano is no longer behind the bench. Under Doug Weight, a player like Alex Gelchenyuk who can drive offense would be a perfect fit. And with Montréal actively shopping him he might be had for a lesser price.

It’s no secret that Galchenyuk had a down year production-wise. His 44 points this season is his lowest since his second year in the league. But how much of that has to do with deployment?

Put Galchenyuk on that second line with a player like Josh Ho-Sang and watch magic happen.

He’s an RFA right now and in need of a new deal. He’s coming off a bad year and a $2.8 million cap hit. And Montréal clearly doesn’t want him anymore.

At 23-years-old he’s still under team control for a number of years. A five-year $4-$5 million per year deal, while only buying a single year of UFA status would make sense. And cheaper than Matt Duchene.

Next: The NHL Trade Freeze Is Coming

The more and more I think about Galchenyuk with the Islanders over Matt Duchene the more I like the idea.

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