Islanders Won’t Add a Goal Scorer Until the Trade Deadline

The New York Islanders should be finalizing their off-season moves very soon. However, don’t expect a goal scorer to be added until at least the Trade Deadline.

Islanders should have enough cap space to sign Mathew Barzal and bring back, Matt Martin and Andy Greene, with Johnny Boychuk heading to long-term injury reserve. At this point and time though there will be no room at the inn to add a goal scorer.

The Isles are currently $3.9 million under the salary cap. In addition, Lou Lamoriello will gain more cap space when he moves Boychuk and his $6 million cap number to LTIR.

As stated above that should be enough cap space to get Barzal, Martin, Greene, and maybe a veteran such as Derick Brassard. But in terms of signing a Mike Hoffman or making a trade for a goal scorer, cap space would have to be created.

That alone mostly likely means don’t look for a goal scorer in an Islanders uniform under this year’s Christmas tree.

The Trade Deadline

The trade deadline could be another matter. At that point of the season, the Isles might be able to maneuver a goal scorer on to the roster in terms of the salary cap. Remember at that point a player’s salary cap hit it pro-rated.

So players who are slated to become unrestricted free agents after next season could become available at the trade deadline. Taylor Hall could become one such player among others.

Also, certain teams are hurting financially to say the least, which could mean other players will be available at this year’s trade deadline as well. Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets could fall into that category.

Remember the Isles ownership group of Scott Malkin (principal owner) and Jon Ledecky are opening the new Belmont building next October (2021). They will let Lou be aggressive in adding payroll as now is a perfect time to do so.

Time will tell who will be available but there should be a goal scorer available for the Isles come the trade deadline. Keep in mind the Isles not only have their first-round pick in next year’s Draft but they also have two second-rounders as well thanks to the Devon Toews trade.

While there will most likely not be a goal scorer under the tree for Islander fans, there very well could be one in their Easter basket.