New York Islanders Have Assets to Move Up at 2018 NHL Draft

The New York Islanders are literally on the brink of elimination as far as making the 2017-18 NHL Playoffs. Now it’s time for the organization to set their sights forward. With that in mind, the Isles have the assets to move up in the 2018 NHL Draft.

While this season for the New York Islanders was a big disappointment, there is hope this could be a very special June. Re-signing John Tavares is a must and that could happen come June. After that, the 2018 NHL Draft could set-up the Isles for years to come.

Swing a Deal at the Draft

There has been a lot of focus recently about if the NHL ping-pong balls could bounce the blue and orange’s way come the night of the lottery. Odds are the lottery won’t result in the Isles landing a top-three pick even though they have two cracks at it (their own & Calgary’s).

If the Isles don’t get lucky on the night of the lottery, what about trading up?

The Isles have the assets to move up in the draft. If there is a player on the board the Islanders love they could try to trade up.

Obviously, packaging both of their first-round picks would be an enticing package for any team. The Isles could also include one of their second-round picks from this year’s draft as they have two selections there as well (again, their own’s & Calgary’s).

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Another possibility is the Isles could include a prospect such as Josh Ho-Sang or Robin Salo. They have plenty of chips to deal with if they want to make a move up come draft night.

Trading Partner

The big question is who would be willing to be the Isles dance partner and slide down? Off the bat, there are three teams that come to mind as possibilities in Buffalo, Vancouver, and Ottawa.

While both the Sabres and Canucks have a young star player on their NHL roster, as well as a couple more good prospects coming, these organizations severely lack depth. Moving back a few spots and picking up an extra first-round pick and either a second round pick or a prospect could be an excellent move for them.

In terms of the Senators, there are other things to consider. Remember Ottawa traded away significant future assets in the Matt Duchene three-way deal, including a future first-round pick (will most likely be in 2019). Yes, the Sens will get assets back if they move Erik Karlsson but if Bobby Ryan has to be part of that package, that will lessen the assets coming their way in all likelihood. Given that, Ottawa could be an ideal trading partner for the Isles.

Next: Few Positives From 2017-18 Isles Season

It’s doubtful the team that will own the top spot in the draft would be willing to engage in serious trade talks but after that anything is possible. If the Islanders love either Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk, or Filip Zadina they could put together a big package on the table to try and move up.