Islanders: Top 5 Players Who Could Be Taken By Seattle

Number 5: Otto Koivula

The Islanders can’t afford to protect a kid like Otto Koivula with the state of their roster. The 22-year-old has just 12 games of NHL experience but that’s likely the fault of a deep veteran group of forwards in front of him.

He’s had three years of success at the AHL level. In 2018-2019, he had 21 goals and 46 points followed by 22 points in 36 games, and then nine in 20 this year.

At six-foot-three and 220 pounds, he seems destined for a bottom-six role at the next level. As an RFA he’s cheap and controllable and as someone who plays all three forward positions, he can be a versatile piece for Seattle.

Number 4: Sebastian Aho

Similar to Otto Koivula, Aho has only 25 games at the NHL level due to a deep veteran group in front of him. The former 5th rounder has really blossomed into a solid AHL player with someone who has potential for a third-pair role at the NHL.

In 2018-2019, he had 46 points in 67 games with Bridgeport and then followed that up with a 30 points 2019-2020.

With Samuel Bolduc and Robin Salo on the left side in the prospect pool, Aho is expendable. For just $750,000 he’s a cheap add as well for the Kraken.

Number 3: Kieffer Bellows

I have no idea what to make of the former first-round pick. Bellows, who was selected 19th overall in 2016 hasn’t really gotten a chance at a full-time role in the NHL. He has five goals in 22 games spread out over the last two years.

For whatever reason, the Isles seemed to prefer Michael Dal Colle, Travis Zajac, and Leo Komarov’s game over Bellows which doesn’t bode well for his future on the Island.

It would be a shame to lose a former top-20 pick for nothing, but at this point, I don’t think he has much trade value for this team. Maybe Seattle looks at him and thinks they can get him to his full potential.