New York Islanders Trading Superstar John Tavares Ill Advised

Verdict

Don’t do it. For the love of God, don’t do it.

Yes, Tavares is going to command a massive pay raise. But the New York Islanders have at least three contracts coming off the books at the end of 2017-18. Nikolai Kulemin ($4.1875 million), Jaroslav Halak ($4.5 million), and Jason Chimera ($2.25 million).

That’s just under $11 million ($10.9375 to be precise) that the Islanders have to play with. They only need somewhere around $4.5 to $6.5 for Tavares. Leaving up to $6.4375 for Bailey, Nelson, de Haan and whatever other players they plan on resigning.

The New York Islanders don’t have to worry about the cap.

In terms of the return, yes the Isles can get a massive return for Tavares. But truth be told, they already have everything they need to acquire a top for a defender or a starting goalie. The only issue is finding one that’s available.

Getting a top four d-man is going to be easier than finding a starting goalie. But with those two first-round picks and a few young players that have decent value, the Islanders have the assets to pull it off. They don’t need to sell off Tavares in order to address any roster issues.

Next: New York Islanders NHL Trade Deadline Preview 2.0

Maybe for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it makes sense to trade Auston Matthews for other pieces (I’m still not convinced), but the New York Islanders don’t need to when it comes to Tavares. They have everything they need to acquire whats missing and keep Tavares.