New York Islanders Depth Can Lead To A Potential Trade

It’s been relatively quiet for the New York Islanders since prospect camp ended. They did recently lock-up Adam Pelech to a four-year deal. However, due to the Islanders depth, an August surprise could be brewing.

While the New York Islanders won’t have a three goalie squeeze this training camp they will have a roster crunch. However, this is a good problem the Isles have as they have too much depth.

The Isles are going to have some tough calls to make during training camp as currently constituted. The Isles need to turn that depth into a better roster.

No Goalie Issue This Year

The Isles will not have a three-goalie conundrum this training camp. The net will be patrolled by Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak this season. Both players will get plenty of playing time and should be fresh for the entire season.

This will be Halak’s last year with the Isles as he is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Top prospect Linus Soderstrom will be ready to join the Islanders for the 2018-19 season.

New York Islanders

Eight Deep on the Blue Line

The blue and orange have incredible depth on defense. They go eight deep with Scott Mayfield being last on the depth chart.

That group doesn’t include top prospect Devon Toews who could be NHL ready by New Years.

Important to note all eight Islander defensemen cannot be sent to the AHL without clearing waivers.

5 Lines Deep at Forward

The Islanders will have fifteen NHL caliber forwards heading into training camp. With Mathew Barzal and Josh Ho-Sang ready to start their NHL careers, and it makes Shane Prince and Alan Quine the Isles 14th and 15th forwards.

Unless the Isles get besieged with injuries in training camp the question is what will they do with all these forwards?

Keep in mind if the Isles go with eight defensemen into the season, they could only carry 13 forwards.

Trade Brewing?

This depth on the Islanders makes one speculate is a big trade brewing? Could the Islanders and the Colorado Avalanche finally get together and complete a Matt Duchene deal?

Can Garth Snow send a defenseman, forward, and a prospect to Colorado to land Duchene? Would a package of one of Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, Calvin de Haan and either Anthony Beauvillier or Brock Nelson with a prospect get a deal done with the Avalanche?

Next: How Long is Snow's Leash?

Something has to give with all of this depth and perhaps an August surprise is in the offering for the Islanders.