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Islanders trade rumors and interest level: Granlund, Ekholm, Gaudette

By Michel Anderson

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 29: Mikael Granlund #64 of the Nashville Predators knocks down the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 29: Mikael Granlund #64 of the Nashville Predators knocks down the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 30: Mikael Granlund #64 of the Nashville Predators skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 30, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Predators defeated the Devils 6-5 in the shoot-out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 30: Mikael Granlund #64 of the Nashville Predators skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 30, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Predators defeated the Devils 6-5 in the shoot-out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The New York Islanders might not need anything from the trade market, but perhaps the Isles can find an upgrade out there.

With an eight-game point streak and three wins in a row, things are going very well for the New York Islanders right now. Their goalies are playing very well, the team hasn’t allowed many goals or shots against, and goals are coming throughout the forward lineup.

The Isles don’t seem to need anything from the trade market. But it doesn’t hurt to look around at what’s available and if an upgrade can be made.

Mikael Grandlund | Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are considering making changes as they see their chances of getting to the playoffs dwindling. Only the Detroit Red Wings are worse than the Preds in the Discover Central Division.

A player on the block is rumored to be forward Mikael Granlund.

Interest level: 4/5

Granlund has 60-70 point potential in him. Between 16-17 and 18-19, the 2010 ninth overall pick put up 190 points over 238 games played. He hasn’t been the same player since he joined Nashville which is why he’s on the trade block now.

The left-shot forward could be an upgrade to a few of the Islanders middle six options. Namely Michael Dal Colle and Leo Komarov.

Granlund scores points (and goals), plays on the power play, and can also play on the penalty kill. Again, he’d be a great upgrade on some of the options currently in the lineup.

Possibility of a trade: 2/5

Granlund is on pace for a 48 point season (over 82 games) with Nashville. That combined with his former 60+ point seasons could push his price prohibitively high.

Also, the fact that the Isles are using LTIR space to stay cap compliant right now means they aren’t banking daily cap space they can use to bring in Granlund and his $3.75 million cap hit at the trade deadline without having to shed money.

The likelihood of this deal remains low.

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