New York Islanders Trade Bait Pieces for 2018 Offseason

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UNIONDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: The New York Islanders celebrate their 3-2 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers during a preseason game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Devon Toews

The New York Islanders have a long line of promising young defensemen. Ryan Pulock made incredible strides this season as he put up 32 points on the year. And he looks to be a mainstay for years to come.

The line of succession after Pulock looks something like: Devon Toews, Sebastian Aho, Mitch Vande Sompel and David Quenneville. The issue for Toews is how ready he is right now, and how the Isles might not be ready to give him a spot.

The Islanders might have space for him depending on what happens with unrestricted free agents Calvin de Haan and Thomas Hickey this summer. If both stay then Toews will find it difficult to find a spot.

From what we’ve been able to assess about Devon Toews is that he can be a top paid defender. So why do you give it up?

Ryan Pulock is already showing that promise with NHL experience. Again, you have to give to get. It would be some odd business to trade a future top pair defender for a true top-four defender. But if you could return a bonafide NHL starter, then there’s no question. You make that trade.

Toews is certainly a defender for the future, but unfortunately, the future is now for the New York Islanders. They need to win as soon as humanly possible. So trading a good future prospect for a good return to fill a need is just something the Isles have to do.