Fansided

Islanders Still In The Mix For Vladimir Tarasenko

By Matt O'Leary |
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 7: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the St. Louis Blues waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 7, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blues defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 7: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the St. Louis Blues waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 7, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blues defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Usually, they call it a free agency frenzy because teams go wild and make massive changes to their team. Right now, for the New York Islanders, it’s been more of a free agency flop.

I know, I know, we will likely see a Kyle Palmieri and Casey Cizikas extension soon and all signs point to Zach Parise returning as well but I think it’s probably fair to characterize this free agency period so far as quiet.

Although, a good sign if you like action and drama, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic is reporting that the Islanders are still very much so in the mix for Vladimir Tarasenko.

With St. Louis adding Brandon Sadd, it all but guarantees that Tarasenko will be moved. Also, Rutherford mentioned earlier this week that the asking price from the Blues may have to come down.

One thing that some Islander fans may not like is a name he included in a potential move from the Islanders, Anthony Beauvillier. Beau has been a middle-six player for the Isles the last few years and is coming off a 15 goal and 28 point season.

At just 24 years old, it’s easy to understand why some fans don’t want to see Beauvillier go. He still has some untapped potential, as he’s been inconsistent during his career so far, and perhaps he can end up being a nice building block on this team.

But, if Lou Lamoriello gets the all clear on the health with Tarasenko there’s no question that he’s the more valuable player than Beau. Even with the risk of giving up on the player too early. They’re in a win-now mode and Tarasenko could be the missing link to this offense in Lamoriello’s mind.

Potential Lines

Lee – Barzal – Tarasenko

Bailey – Nelson – Palmieri

Parise – Pageau – Wahlstrom

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

That would give the Islanders three very deep lines with the addition of their do-it-all fourth line. Yes, seeing Beauvillier leave wouldn’t be easy, even Josh Bailey too for that matter, but if it’s the price they have to pay, you might have to be willing to suck it up and get a true 40 goal threat in the building.

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