3 contenders New York Islanders can fleece this summer

The New York Islanders will be looking to be the biggest winners of this offseason by following up their stunning NHL Draft Lottery win with a successful summer.

By “successful,” I’m talking about shedding contracts that stand as anchors for the team moving forward. Getting rid of these anchors now becomes much easier considering that former GM Lou Lamoriello is no longer in charge.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three contending teams that the New York Islanders could fleece this summer as the Isles look to turn questionable moves from the past into potential strengths moving forward.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild started the season strong, but sort of faded as the season wore on, eventually landing in a wild card spot. While losing Kirill Kaprizov did not help during the regular season, the club struggled with scoring at times.

The Wild then ran into the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs and could not get over the hump.

As such, the Wild may be compelled to make a move to bolster their scoring depth. That situation presents an opportunity for the New York Islanders to find a trade partner. The Wild could be desperate enough to take a look at Pierre Engvall, seeing potential in the beleaguered winger.

The Isles could sell the Wild on believing that a change of scenery could benefit Engvall. The Isles could end up shedding his $3 million cap hit for the next five seasons if a team like the Wild is willing to take a flyer on Engvall.

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings ran into the brick wall that is the Edmonton Oilers. For the fourth season in a row, the Oilers ended the Kings’ season in the first round of the playoffs. But beyond the yearly frustration in Hollywood, the Kings stand to lose star defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to free agency.

If that’s the case, the Kings could be scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Gavrikov. Enter the Islanders and Scott Mayfield. While Mayfield is hardly a replacement for Gavrikov, Mayfield fits the Kings’ mold. He’s a tough, hard-hitting defenseman who could play the sort of minutes coach Jim Hiller demands from his top-four blue liners.

However, Mayfield has a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons. Still, Mayfield could be persuaded to waive it in order to join a team like the Kings. If so, the Islanders could get out from under the last five years of Mayfield’s contract and his $3.5 million AAV.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were picked by many to take the next step this season. But after a sour season, the Canucks could be looking to do anything and everything they can to rebound and get back into the Western Conference playoff conversation.

One key issue affecting the Canucks is the potential loss of Brock Boeser this summer. While the former 40-goal scorer has not closed the door on returning to Vancouver, he could be keen on seeking greener pastures.

If that’s the case, the Canucks will be looking to replace Boeser’s production in their top six. So, why not look into Anthony Duclair? While Duclair had a tough first season on The Island, there’s no reason to assume he can’t rebound and produce 20 to 30 goals.

That could be something the Canucks may be willing to bank on. Duclair has a full no-trade clause this summer, but given an opportunity to push the reset button, Duclair could be willing to agree to a deal.