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New York Islanders: 3 Avoidable Trade Deadline Mistakes

By Matt O'Leary
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: (l-r) Chris and Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: (l-r) Chris and Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New York Islanders
NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 20: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center on April 20, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Panthers 6-2, (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Trade for Ilya Kovalchuk

The Islanders have been linked to Ilya Kovalchuk and I absolutely hate that thought. This is Kovalchuk’s first year back from the KHL, and after just 48 games with the Kings, they’re already looking to move him.

He’s 35 years old, and under contract for two more years at $6.25 million per year. Yes, he’s been semi-productive, 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 48 games, a 46 point pace but he’s not nearly the same player he once was.

This move would just be made because he’s a familiar face to Lamoriello, who had Kovalchuk in New Jersey. Ilya was once a star player but he’s well past his prime and you’re taking a major risk if you trade for him, even if Los Angeles eats some of that contract.

Kovalchuk does have nine power-play points, which in theory could improve the Islanders, I’m just hoping it’s a bigger splash than a 35-year-old friend of Lou Lamoriello.

Giving up a pick, a prospect, or whatever else it may cost would be a huge oversight on Lamoriello’s part. Again, if this was 2012 this is a no brainer, but seven years later it’s a no go for me.

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