Islanders: MassMutual East division trade deadline round up

We know the moves that the New York Islanders have made leading up to the trade deadline. Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils, and Braydon Colburn from the Ottawa Senators.

That’s top-six support (Palmieri), a depth forward who can play in just about any position (Zajac), and a depth defenseman who can give them cover if they need it going down the stretch or in the playoffs (Colburn).

But what about the rest of the division? Here’s a round-up of the moves that every team in the MassMutual East made (in’s and out’s), as well as the Isles record against them so far and how many games they have left against the team this year.

(Note: For in’s and out’s I’m only going to look at players moved. I’m not discussing prospects or picks outside of a brief mention here and there when discussing a full trade package.)

Round of up New York Islanders competition after the 2021 trade deadline

Washington Capitals

In: Anthony Mantha, Michael Raffl
Out: Jonas Siegenthaler, Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik

Record: 2-3-0
Remaining Games: 3 games (April 22, 24, 27)

The Caps paid one hell of a price to get Anthony Mantha out of Detroit. Vrana, Panik, a 2021 first, and a 2022 second go to Detroit for Mantha. Take a bow, Steve Yzerman.

Mantha still has three years on his deal with a $5.7 million cap hit. He’ll replace Vrana who went to Detroit. I’m not sure this is the upgrade Washington thinks it is, but we’ll have plenty of time to see this one pan out over the next month.

Pittsburgh Penguins

In: Jeff Carter
Out: N/A

Record: 2-4-2
Remaining Games: 0 games

Pens pull off a surprising one here. They get Jeff Carter to leave LA and head back out East. Carter ain’t what he used to be but he’ll give the Penguins some depth on the wing and down the middle. His versatility could come in handy for them down the stretch.

The Islanders and Penguins already wrapped up their regular-season series so if they play it’s going to be in the post-season.

Boston Bruins

In: Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar, Mike Reilly
Out: Anders Bjork

Record: 5-0-0
Remaining Games: 3 games (April 15, 16, and May 10)

Boston got the depth scoring they wanted and they didn’t have to pay anything for it. Taylor Hall could be a great addition to the squad or it could all just fall flat.

Personally, I’m not sure how it’s going to work out. We know that Hall hasn’t been able to drive a line by himself since he won that Hart Trophy a few years ago. He certainly won’t slot into the B’s top unit, so Boston clearly thinks he can do the thing he’s shown he can’t do.

If Boston is right though…this could be trouble for the Islanders who play Boston twice this week and on the final day of the regular season.

5. New York Rangers

In: N/A
Out: Brendan Lemieux

Record: 3-2-0
Remaining Games: 3 games (April 20, 29, and May 1)

The Rangers didn’t add anything to their setup. Brendan Lemieux was traded to the Kings for a fourth-round pick and that’s it.

So it’s the same team for the next three games on the regular-season schedule.

Philadelphia Flyers

In: N/A
Out: Michael Raffl, Erik Gustafsson

Record: 4-1-2
Remaining Games: 1 game (April 18)

It’s not an addition, but the Flyers did re-sign Scott Laughton to a five-year $15 million deal ($3 million AAV). The only actual changes they made were a few substitutions with Michael Raffl and Erik Gustafsson being sent to Washington and Montreal respectively.

The Flyers are still in the hunt for a playoff spot but it seems like they’re OK with not making it as well. It was not a good day for Flyers fans who hoped they were still in contention.

New Jersey Devils

In: Jonas Siegenthaler, AJ Greer, Mason Jobst,
Out: Dmitry Kulikov, Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac, Sami Vatanen

Record: 5-1-0
Remaining Games: 2 games (May 6 and 8)

The Devils sold of more of their core as they get set to transition into the next phase of their plan. Gone is a lot of their previous core. Most of it now ending up on the Island thanks to Lou Lamoriello.

There are two more games on the schedule against the Devils for the Isles. And while no game is a sure thing, the Isles shouldn’t have issues with the Devils in the two remaining games on the regular-season schedule.

Buffalo Sabres

In: Anders Bjork
Out: Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar, Brandon Montour, Eric Staal, Jonas Johansson

Record: 6-0-0
Remaining Games: 2 games (May 3 and 4)

The fire sale has begun in Buffalo with a lot of pieces being offloaded. There are still a number of players on their squad that could net them some interesting pieces going forward. Jack Eichel and Sam Reimhart anyone?

Two more games. The Isles have to more games against the Sabres this season. They’re already 6-0-0 against them, can they go a full 8-0-0?