New York Islanders 2018 NHL Trade Deadline Preview 1.0

D Josh Gorges

Come trade deadline teams looking to buy are hoping teams at the bottom are inclined enough to embrace the tank that they’ll sell off some of their more talented individuals. That’s going to be the Buffalo Sabres this season. They have some talent, but it’s just not gelling.

Jack Eichel has been fantastic since being drafted second overall by the Sabres in 2015. But Eichel aside the team hasn’t lived up to expectations. Not even close.

They’ve got some talent in upstate New York that they won’t need to completely tear it down like they did in 2014-15. But a retool is imminent.

Why It Would Work

OEL seems like the flashy name on everyone’s lips. And for good reason; he puts up points. Gorges’ career years was 2008-09, where he put up 23 points for Montréal. He’s not a flashy 50 point player. But he’s effective and physical.

He seems like the type of player Garth Snow would love to get as he prepares the Islanders for a run to the playoffs.

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Why It Wouldn’t Work

He’s got a modified no-trade clause which could have the New York Islanders on it. Maybe he’s willing to waive it for playoff hockey and to get out of Buffalo and show off to potential suitors come the free agency window in 2018.