New York Islanders Two-Year Retool Plan

Trades

Trade 1: 

In this deal, the Islanders get another top-four defenseman something the Islanders desperately need. Over the last five years, Faulk has put up 30 or more points five times and 15 or more goals three times.

Faulk is a righty, and at a reasonable cap hit of $4.83 million over the next two years. He can provide offensive upside as a defenseman with 40 plus point potential and adds another solid righty to the mix of Ryan Pulock and Johnny Boychuk.

As for what the Islanders have to give up, it starts with a first-round pick. Luckily the Islanders had two in this past draft so they can get by with not having one this year. Brock Nelson can provide middle six depth for the Canes especially if Jeff Skinner is traded, which is likely, and Justin Williams is likely walking in free agency at the end of the year anyway.

Michael Dal Colle doesn’t have the same value he once did but maybe Carolina takes a flier on him as the third piece of the trade. Even if he doesn’t pan out, it’s not the end of the world in Carolina who is building a young core.

Then, Scott Mayfield provides cheap and effective third pairing play for the next few years. He is at an extremely cheap cost of just $1.45 million over the next five years which definitely has some value.

Trade 2:

This time, the Islanders finally land their guy. They tried to trade for him two years ago and now with a hole at second line center again they go out and get him with Lou at the helm. The former third overall pick from 2009 put up 59 points last year with Colorado and Ottawa.

Over the course of his nine-year career, Duchene averages 53 points a season which is perfect for a second line role.

For what the Islanders have to give up, Adam Pelech is a cheap defenseman who can slot right in for the Senators for the next three years. He’s even an RFA at the end of this contract so he’s a very controllable player.

Also, Sebastian Aho got some playing time in the NHL last year despite being a fifth rounder from the 2017 draft. That has value also, so you’re getting potentially two starting defensemen and a pick for Matt Duchene who will leave after the year anyway.

The pick is where things get interesting. If Duchene extends with the Islanders, then it becomes a first rounder, but if he leaves after the year it’s only a fourth-round pick.

Trade 3

I know everyone wants to see a reunion of the Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck line, but with Leo Komarov in the mix now, they serve essentially the same purpose. This trade is just to dump Clutter’s salary to a team that could use a fourth line right winger.

The Islanders get Justin Scott, an AHLer in return, a similar deal to what the Islanders just did for Matt Martin, except this time the Islanders are on the other end.