New York Islanders: Six Outside The Box Trade Options For Offense

Bryan Little

Little is a proven scorer. Last season he put up 47 points in 59 games for the Jets. He’s 29 entering the last year of his contract, with a cap hit of $4.7 million. If he can stay healthy he’s a dangerous offensive talent.

However he has also received votes for the Selke in multiple seasons, showing he plays good defense too. With his right handed shot he can play from the RW or as a center.

An experienced right handed draw taker to play second line center is exactly what the Islanders need; and Little had a faceoff win % of 55.6 last season.

The Trade

Brock Nelson is still only 25, but has four seasons of experience. He’s a reliable 20 goal scorer who stays healthy through the whole season. Plus at $2.5 million next year, he’s a good deal. This is a younger, similar player to Little, if not quite as productive. Since Brock is from Minnesota this trade will send him closer to home.

Thomas Hickey is wily, and surprisingly versatile. He brings consistency and experience for the reasonable price of $2.2 million. This is the draw in the offer for Winnipeg as they need help shoring up their blue line.

The 2018 pick is sweet, and the 2019 pick is just icing on the cake; the Isles might be able keep it through clever bartering. I selected this pick because the Jets don’t have a third rounder in 2019.

This trade fits both team’s budgets because the combined salaries traded cancel out. Winnipeg gets two younger, but still talented and experienced players, plus draft considerations, without adding salary. Little gets to team-up with ex-teammate Ladd.

Projected Forward Line-up

Lee – Taveres – Eberle

Ladd – Little – Ho-Sang

Beauvillier – Barzal – Bailey

Chimera – Czikas – Clutterbuck