New York Islanders Young Trio That Would Be Tough for Lamoriello to Move

The New York Islanders now have Lou Lamoriello running the show. While Lou has a lot of tradeable assets at his disposal there is a young trio that would be very tough to move.

New York Islanders President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello has a lot of work to do this off-season including landing a first-class goaltender and a top-four defenseman. It’s not going to be easy to do but Lou has a slew of young players he can deal to any potential seller.

But while that may be true, the Islanders have at least three young players that the team needs to keep. As well as one player that can’t be moved.

The New York Islanders young trio that they need to keep are

Ryan Pulock

Anthony Beauvillier

, and

Kieffer Bellows

. It goes without saying

Mathew Barzal

isn’t going anywhere.

Pulock

It appears Pulock came into his own during the second-half of last year. The 6’2, 214 lbs, 23-year old blueliner posted 10 goals, 32 points in 68 games.

There is a hockey saying that is very true that has been said since the dawn of time and that is it takes time for a young defenseman to develop. While no one is saying Pulock (15th overall of the 2013 Draft) is a candidate for the Norris next season, it’s not unreasonable to think he will be a top-four defenseman next year.

Beau

In the first half of last season, it appeared that Beauvillier was destined for a massive sophomore slump. But once the calendar turned to January the former first-round pick (28th overall in 2015) put everything together.

Beauvillier finished with a flourish and the final stat line for the 20-year old winger was 21 goals, 36 points in 71 games. Beauvillier looks like a sure-fire, two-way, top-six forward for the Isles to build around for years to come.

Bellows

While Bellows has yet to make his NHL debut there is a lot to like regarding this 19-year old winger. The 19th overall pick of the 2016 Draft, had an exceptional year last season with the Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) and at the World Championships for Team USA.

In The Hockey News, 2018 Future Watch issue, they listed Bellows as the 25th best prospect. They had Bellows ranked ahead of some very big prospects.

Moving Any of the Trio

Moving even one of this talented group this summer will be a very difficult move to sign off on. Lamoriello would have to get a primo player in return to do so.

Based on appearances it’s hard to see a goalie that will be available in a trade for Lamoriello to consider moving any of these super-talented youngsters. However, based on the rumblings going on in the NHL there could be quite a few defensemen available.

Remember one thing, however, and that is the Isles have years of team control over this talented threesome. If any of them were moved it would have to be for a player that is not a year or two away from unrestricted free agency.

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Next: 5 Most Likely Isles Pieces to be Traded

It would be more prudent for Lou and the Islanders to cash in on the four premium picks they have in the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft. Remember, Pulock, Beauvillier, and Bellows are much farther along and can help the Isles in the here and now.

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