New York Islanders: “No Rentals” 2018 Trade Deadline Proposals List

Chicago

The Blackhawks are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. They’re still straddled with Kane’s and Toews’ monstrous contracts, so they should be amenable to a trade that clears cap space.

Brandon Saad, W- Age, 25. Height, 6-1. Weight, 206. Shoots- Left.

Contract- $6 million, UFA after 20/21.

17/18 Stats- 15 goals, 12 assists, 37 takeaways, 58.9 CF%, 61 games, 17:24 ATOI.

Chicago just traded big for Saad and now he isn’t putting up the numbers they’d hoped for. He’s a versatile player, capable of playing both wings and helping on the PP. He plays great possession hockey, can shoot and pass, and was nominated for the Selke and Byng last season.

John Hayden, F- Age, 23. Height, 6-3. Weight, 223. Shoots- Right.

Contract- $925,000. RFA after 17/18.

17/18 Stats- 3 fights, 103 hits, 3 goals, 8 assists, 39 games, 10:31 ATOI.

John Hayden took the University route to the NHL and is only now playing his rookie season at age 23. This year he has shown himself a capable bruiser/grinder type, complete with glove-dropping action. Last year he put up more than a point a game playing for Yale though, so he clearly has the skill to boot.

For Hayden…

Josh Ho-Sang– Absolutely a trade up for the Hawks, Ho-Sang is the Islanders most NHL ready forward prospect. He can be a huge offensive threat and hopefully a top-six winger someday. Hayden is destined for more of a grinder position.

For Saad…

Nikolai Kulemin– Mostly a cap-clearing maneuver sending Kulemin over, but he is a steady workhorse player who brings depth. His expensive contract is up after this season, so he can be re-signed cheaper or dumped.

Kieffer Bellows– The Islanders other top forward prospect. Bellows was a first-round selection and he looks like he should develop into a successful NHL goal getter. Probably the big catch of this package, especially after his strong international play.

2018 3rd and 5th round picks

Chicago has a serious cap crunch and they were hoping Saad would be sporting higher numbers. They might jump at the chance to gain some cheap, young firepower, and the draft picks are nice too.

Meanwhile, the Islanders gain two players with controlled contract situations without giving up high draft picks. Bellows would be a loss but…

Potential Lineup

Lee-Tavares-Saad, Beauvillier-Barzal-Bailey, Ladd-Nelson-Eberle, Johnston-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

Leddy-Boychuk, Pelech-Pulock, Hickey-Aho (Mayfield)