New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens Should Play Let’s Make a Deal

The New York Islanders maybe one player away from becoming an Eastern Conference force. The Montreal Canadiens have a player who by many accounts is available, that could be that missing link to the blue and orange. The Isles and Habs should play let’s make a deal.

So who on the Montreal Canadiens could be that missing piece for the New York Islanders? The answer is Alex Galchenyuk.

The Isles should offer Brock Nelson, Scott Mayfield, and one of their 2018, second-round draft picks (they have their own & Calgary’s) for Galchenyuk. That is a deal that can work for both.

Galchenyuk to Isles

From afar it appears to yours truly that the big criticism of Galchenyuk is he is not a first-line center. When Montreal drafted him third overall in the 2012 draft, that is what they were hoping for and it is a huge need for the Habs.

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But let’s focus on what the 6’1, 210 lbs, center can bring to the table. He can be a two-way player that is strong both defensively and in the faceoff circle. While he doesn’t provide first-line scoring he can be an excellent secondary offensive player to a team (last year 17 goals & 44 points in 61 games).

If Garth Snow could make a deal with Montreal the Isles would be extremely deep down the middle with John Tavares, Mathew Barzal, Casey Cizikas, and Galchenyuk.

Finally, Galchenyuk has been under the microscope in Montreal since the day he was drafted. Coming to the Islanders he would be able to take a breath and just play hockey. That kind of change of scenery could unlock his potential.

Habs Side

So why would Montreal make such a deal? Nelson has a higher upside in terms of scoring between himself and Galchenyuk. A change of scenery could help Brock reach his 30-goal potential.

Montreal is looking to improve their blue line and adding a youngster like Mayfield helps them both in the short and long term.

The Canadiens don’t have a great prospect pipeline so adding a second-round pick in a very deep 2018 draft is a big future asset as well.

It’s pretty obvious that the best thing big picture wise for the Canadiens organization and Galchenyuk is a trade. Yes, he has played better lately (4 goals, 8 points, -7 this season) but remember coach Claude Julien also had Galchenyuk centering the fourth line at times this season.

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This is a deal that could work out well for both the Islanders and the Canadiens. Let’s get Garth and Marc Bergevin on the phones right now.