New York Islanders Trading Kieffer Bellows Not An Option

The New York Islanders head into this NHL trade deadline looking for a player that can help their current squad, preferably a defenseman. Adding a player would be a great move, but it can’t mortgage the future. That is why Kieffer Bellows must be an untouchable.

The New York Islanders desperately need help on the blue line. They are currently playing without Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Haan. While Boychuk should be back soon, de Haan is lost for the year. And now Scott Mayfield is out for a few weeks too.

In my last article, I suggested the Isles make a hard push for Detroit’s Mike Green, who will most likely be dealt before the February 26th trade deadline. The Isles have assets to trade but must be careful not to move any potential future game-changing players or picks.

Bellows

One of the Isles potential future game-changing chips is Kieffer Bellows. Bellows (age 19) is currently playing for the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL. In 37 games he has posted 26 goals and 52 points.

More from Editorials

• Islanders key to success: Load management with goalies
• Islanders Zdeno Chara trending in the right direction
• Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Deserves Benefit of the Doubt
• Islanders Ilya Sorokin becoming number one goalie
• Islanders Zach Parise Was Quiet in Return to Minnesota

The 6’1, 200 lbs winger is coming off a big World Junior Championship for Team USA. He scored nine goals and help lead the American team to a bronze medal.

With the graduation of a number of young Islanders to the big club, Bellows currently stands as the organizations number-one prospect in the pipeline.

Bellows projects as a future top-six forward that can bring scoring, grit, and tenacity. His NHL future is not that far away either, as he could be wearing the Islander sweater sometime next season and be a core player for the Isles in the next decade.

Trade Talks

Without a doubt, as Garth Snow currently fields calls from other clubs in an effort to improve the team now, fellow GM’s are probably asking for either Bellows or one of the Isles, first-round picks (they have two – their own & Calgary’s) in the upcoming June Draft. It’s quite possible teams could be asking for both.

While one has to give to get in a trade, moving either Bellows or one of the first-round picks would be a colossal error. Those assets should only be considered to be moved if the Isles were acquiring a star-player who they would have control over for years to come. It doesn’t appear such a player will be available at this year’s deadline.

While everyone wants the Isles to get better now it cannot come at the cost of Bellows or the first-round picks. Those assets are untouchable.

Next: Pulock Extension Idea

Garth has plenty of other valuable chips he could move to get a deal done before the deadline. Bellows and the first-round selections must be off-limits.