New York Islanders Master Plan to Fix the Defense

Trade For One Top-Four Defenseman

The first step to fixing the defense is replacing Travis Hamonic. I bet you didn’t think you would be seeing his name as someone to replace given his terrible season with the Calgary Flames, but since the Islanders have traded him, no one has stepped in to replace his role.

Justin Faulk from Carolina is my go-to target. The Hurricanes just announced that they are open to trading almost everyone on their roster, and Faulk looks like he could be one of the first ones to go.

The Hurricanes have not made the Playoffs in nine seasons, and they need some new young players to insert some fresh blood into the lineup. One of the Islanders first round picks, plus a prospect should get the job done.

Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and Jaccob Slavin are more than capable of taking on more minutes for the Hurricanes next year, and a second pick in the first round will be very valuable for Carolina. For a team in transition, trading a veteran for a potential top-winger and draft picks is a no-brainer.

I see no reason why both teams would not accept this trade.