New York Islanders: 3 Trade Options For A Defenseman

Option A: Justin Faulk

At 25-years old with a $4.83 million cap hit through the 2019-2020 season Justin Faulk is the Home Run Fix. He doesn’t just help you this year, he’s a stable member of your top-4 for years to come.

In each of the last three years, Faulk has scored 15 goals or more and he’s had a CF% above 50 percent since the 2013-2014 season.

In 37 games this year he has 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) and a 54.6 CF% with the Carolina Hurricanes. In order to pry him from the Canes, you’re going to have to put a solid package together. I spoke about this trade just yesterday actually, but the more I think about it the more I want Faulk.

This was my original proposal:

In this scenario, the Canes are getting one of the Islanders two second-round selections, a former top-5 pick in the draft and a perennial 40 point player in Brock Nelson. If they asked for a first rounder instead of a second I would still do it if I’m Garth Snow.

Brock Nelson and Michael Dal Colle might just need a change of scenery to get going. Plus Nelson can be the Hurricanes third line center of the future if Derek Ryan decides to test the free agent waters.

Pairings W/O Boychuk

Leddy – Faulk

Pelech – Pulock

Aho – Mayfield/Hickey

Pairings With Boychuk

Leddy – Boychuk

Pelech – Faulk

Hickey/Aho – Pulock