New York Islanders Defensive Trade Target For Every NHL Team

Jack Johnson | Columbus Blue Jackets

Contract: $4.357 million/1 year, Production: 7pts/56 games, Slot: Second Pair
Why We Want Him
Jack Johnson fits the bill for a second pairing defenseman. That’s his current role with the Columbus Blue Jackets who sit ahead of the New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division standings.

He would certainly help an otherwise depleted blue line that the Islanders currently have. Plus, he’s even requested a trade as contract negotiations with Columbus has gone south.

When a player wants out that means the General Manager is in a tough spot, they may have to take lower market value for a guy so they get something in return for him instead of losing him for nothing at the end of the year anyway. The Isles may be able to take advantage of this scenario.

Why We Don’t Want Him

Johnson is a pending UFA at the end of the year. With his over $4 million cap hit at 31 years old, it’s unlikely the Islanders would have him past a playoff run anyway.

Would Garth swallow his pride and go after a rental anyway? I wouldn’t really want Johnson long-term past this year anyway. So sure he might help now in the present, but it isn’t a long-term solution, it’s more of a band-aid fix to compensate for Calvin de Haan.

The Isles may be better suited investing out there despite this being a more reachable option.