New York Islanders Seven Trade Worthy Power-Forwards

James van Riemsdyk

Yes, the dude with the funny last name. I know, I don’t like the thought of one of our boys getting sent to Toronto after last year (and the ’02 playoffs). And yes, I know that despite being 6’3″, 210lbs van Riemsdyk is soft; that he doesn’t play a two-way game.

He may not be as gritty as your traditional power-forward, but he is big, scores goals, and doesn’t shy from the crease. He isn’t as strong defensively as some of the other choices, but he has a good cap-hit.

What I don’t know is if the Islanders are one of the ten teams on van Riemsdyk’s no-trade list.

On the other hand, I do know that for 28 years old, at $4.25 million against the cap next year, JVR is a sweet deal. Last season JVR notched 29 goals, 33 assists for 62 points.

Apparently, the Leafs are open to sending him out. Probably for some reinforcements on the back line. We’re long in that area, maybe we can oblige them.

Supposedly the Islanders turned down an offer involving JVR already. Color me dubious but I wonder; why would we willingly walk on a 60 point getter for under five million?

The Trade

I’m hoping the youth-minded Maple Leafs organization will value the younger Bailey and the .95 million they save in salary.

The rest of the trade package is sweetener; obviously, we want to keep them if we can out-haggle Toronto; then again we might have to up their worth to get the deal done.

Two solid, if very different players in the primes of their careers. The Leafs free up a little cap space, get a pick or an up-and-coming d-man to join their d-core. We get JVR at a good rate for a season…maybe more…

Finally, we’ll hit some home-grown talent in the prospect pipeline and some honorable mentions…