Islanders buyout tiers for current roster: Not many good options

No Space (<$1 million)

Could Happen

Leo Komarov: $916,667

Not Going to Happen

Johnny Boychuk: $833,333
Ilya Sorokin: $833,333
Ross Johnston: $666,667
Andrew Ladd: $666,667
Scott Mayfield: $650,000
Thomas Hickey: $625,000
Michael Dal Colle: $583,333

A buyout isn’t the best solution when it comes to deals that return less than $1 million in cap space. Burying a deal in the AHL could clear up more space than a buyout. Teams can bury up to $1.075 million in cap space by sending a player to the AHL.

So if the Islanders buyout Leo Komarov’s contract they’ll make $916,667 in cap space, but sending him to the AHL would clear up an extra $158,333 on the cap. And with a modified no-trade, it’s not like Leo can say no to being sent down to Bridgeport.

That might be the Islanders best option rather than a buyout.