New York Islanders Trades That Built 2018-19 Roster

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 16: Jordan Eberle #7 of the New York Islanders is congratulated by teammae Mathew Barzal #13 after Eberle scored the game winning goal in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings on December 16, 2017 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The New York Islanders defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Jordan Eberle

On June 22nd, 2017 the New York Islanders traded former 50 point player and fifth overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft, Ryan Strome. In return, they got Jordan Eberle, one for one.

For a bit of context, both players aren’t of equal value. In 2016-17 Jordan Eberle put up 21 goals and 51 points. That was the second down year in a row for Eberle who generally puts up 60+ points.

Ryan Strome, on the other hand, put up 50 points once and followed that up with an average of 29 points over the next two seasons. Again, these two players were not of equal value.

But with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl soon up for a new contract the Edmonton Oilers needed to make some cap space. With a $6 million cap hit for the next two seasons and underperforming over the last two season, Peter Chiarelli moved Eberle.

Strome only carried a $2.5 million cap hit, representing $3.5 million saving. But if the Oilers GM thought he was getting anything other than cap savings he would be sorely mistaken. Ryan Strome came as advertised.

Even with a short stint playing with phenom Connor McDavid, Ryan Strome couldn’t get back to his 50 point ways. In an 82 game season in 2017-18 Strome put up 34 points for the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers got the shorter end of the stick but they still made room on the cap. Not like they needed it. With Strome now making $3.1 million and with McDavid and Draisaitl signed to $21 million combined, the Oilers still have $3.9 million in cap space. Enough room for a now 59 point Eberle.

Rating: 4.5/5