New York Islanders Travis Hamonic Trade Could Turn into Gold

At this year’s draft, the New York Islanders made a significant trade with the Calgary Flames. The Isles sent Travis Hamonic to the Flames. That trade could turn into gold for the Isles.

This past June, the New York Islanders dealt Travis Hamonic to the Flames for three future prized draft picks that includes Calgary’s first and second-round picks in the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft.

At the time it was not discussed enough how much value the Isles received for Hamonic. This deal has a chance to be a windfall for the Isles.

Calgary’s Playoff Chances

The Flames are a good team. Having said that in today’s NHL universe of extreme parody the playoffs are far from a guarantee for Calgary.

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The Flames are off to a decent start at 5-4-0. Everyone expects the Ducks and the Oilers (despite their slow start) to finish in the top three in the Pacific. The Kings look like the contender they were three years ago, as they have started the season 7-1-1.

That would leave Calgary in a game of playoff musical chairs with some really good teams. The Flames would be in a battle royale between San Jose, Minnesota, Dallas, Winnipeg and maybe even Vegas for the two wild-card spots out west.

2018 Draft is Special

A lot has to be decided about the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft but the early word is this is a special class.

If Calgary misses the playoffs the Isles are guaranteed no worse than the 15th overall pick in next June’s draft. Could the Isles get as fortunate as the Flyers last year when Philly moved up from the 13th overall pick to the second selection thanks to the NHL ping pong balls?

This upcoming draft class looks very similar to the 2015 class that was deep in talent. Remember the Isles winded up with two, first-round picks that year, as they selected Mathew Barzal at #16 and Anthony Beauvillier at #27.

The Isles could add another big-time player next June because of the Hamonic trade.

Deep on D

While the Isles miss Hamonic on and off the ice, they are very deep on the blue line. Currently, the Isles are carrying eight defensemen that includes youngsters Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, and Ryan Pulock.

Remember top prospect Devon Toews is knocking on the door as well. He is currently honing his game with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the AHL. Don’t forget the Isles have other blue line prospects in the pipeline in Parker Wotherspoon and Robin Salo.

Next: Cizikas Unsung Hero

The Isles traded from an area of deep strength in the Hamonic deal. At the end of that rainbow could be a pot of gold.