New York Islanders: Trade Josh Ho-Sang for Jessie Puljujarvi

The New York Islanders won’t be able to get much in return for trading Josh Ho-Sang, but maybe they can pull fellow disgruntled winger Jesse Puljujarvi out from the Edmonton Oilers.

Life comes at you quick. Just a month ago I wrote that the New York Islanders shouldn’t trade for Edmonton Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi. And here I am about to do a sorta 360 on that original opinion.

Why? What changed in just over a month for me to now say that the Edmonton Oilers former fourth overall pick in 2016 would be a return that the Islanders might want?

The fact that Josh Ho-Sang wants out from the New York Islanders by asking for a trade is what changed my mind.

Fellow Disgruntled Players

My original argument against trading for Puljujarvi was that I didn’t want another risky asset on the Islanders roster. The Islanders already had a number of players that they hoped would be better this season, adding Puljujarvi might be one too many.

But that was before the roster was set and before Josh Ho-Sang asked for a trade.

Both Ho-Sang and Puljujarvi aren’t happy with their current situations. For Puljujarvi, he’s back playing in the Finnish league with Karpat waiting for a trade away from the Oilers. Puljujarvi made it clear that he wants a fresh start away from the Oilers.

"“Jesse Puljujarvi has made it clear to the Edmonton Oilers he wants to be traded. He wants a fresh start to his young NHL career. It’s believed the Oilers are willing to accommodate, but won’t give him away and intend on being patient in finding a right fit.” – Darren Dreger, TSN"

The trade could easily be one-for-one.

Puljujarvi is playing right now – he’s back with Karpat in the Finnish Liiga and already has seven points in eight games. Josh Ho-Sang, on the other hand, isn’t playing. Instead, he’s at home waiting for a trade to happen. To be fair, that wasn’t Ho-Sang’s decision.

When it comes to the NHL Josh Ho-Sang has seen more success than Puljujarvi. In 139 NHL games played Puljujarvi has 37 points (0.27 points-per-game). In 53 NHL games played, Josh Ho-Sang has 24 points (0.45 points-per-game).

I can see the Islanders sending out Ho-Sang in return for Puljujarvi straight up. Both organizations get to move a player that doesn’t want to be there and in return get a player that can hopefully embrace his new situation and make the best of it.

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It’s probably the best the New York Islanders and the Edmonton Oilers can hope to get. Neither player is worth a whole lot, so getting anything in return is a good deal. So why not swap their disgruntled assets and close both of these sour storylines.