Making a case for New York Islanders trading #1 overall pick

The New York Islanders' stunning NHL Draft Lottery win has fired up the fan base regarding the potential of a franchise-altering player joining the club’s suddenly deep prospect pool.

Of course, the Isles will be taking this opportunity to add an elite-level player for the first time in a long while. But I would be remiss if I didn’t at least explore the possibility of what the Islanders could fetch if they traded the number-one overall pick to a team desperate enough to pay through the nose.

I’d like to clarify the fact that this is a thought experiment. As such, the Islanders should, in my estimation, at least kick the tires on what another team could offer in exchange for the top pick.

So, let’s jump right in.

Firstly, the Isles would need to get a significant return for the top pick. That would mean trading down to within the top five picks, getting one or two additional later-round picks, and a prospect/position player.

That’s a substantial haul for the top pick. But it would have to be the price to make the deal. Trading down to about the third or fourth slot still gives the New York Islanders a shot at a fantastic player, while rebuilding the prospect pool with additional picks.

Also, adding another prospect could help out in the near future. A solid, young player like a Danny Nelson or Cole Eiserman could go a long way toward ushering a youth movement in Long Island.

A roster player, like a solid third-line center could solve a short-term issue for the Islanders while still allowing the team to address a long-term situation.

I will say this, however: The likelihood of a team paying that sort of price for the top is unlikely. This year’s draft doesn’t have a Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, or Auston Matthews in it. But never say never. There could be a team out there that could be willing to pony up in hopes of impressing its fanbase.

Looking at which teams could trade for the New York Islanders top pick

So, the big question is: “Which teams would be willing to trade for the New York Islanders’ top pick?”

Let’s go down the list.

At #2 and #3, respectively, the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks don’t seem compelled to pull the trigger. They have solid picks and are in no rush to make a splash.

Things get interesting at #4 with the Utah Hockey Club. The Hockey Club (now Mammoth) was the unlikely winner of the second draw. They moved up 10 spaces to claim the fourth-overall pick.

The team’s ownership has been aggressive in building a contender. They have plenty of young talent and might feel an opportunity to make a huge splash by trading for the top pick. Similarly, the Nashville Predators, at #5, failed to impress this past season despite making huge waves in last season’s free-agent market.

As such, the Preds could be motivated to get that top pick amid the impending prospect of a rebuild.

However, two teams stand out as potential buyers: The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Both clubs are at the end of their respective competitive windows. Both teams held fire sales at this year’s trade deadline. So, what’s to keep the Bruins or Penguins from moving still valuable assets for the top pick?

Would Sidney Crosby heading to Long Island make sense for the top pick?

Again, this discussion is a thought experiment. If I was the Isles’ GM, I would hold on to the pick and address the club’s most glaring need. But then again, it never hurts to listen.