NHL trade rumors: Shayna Goldman identifies this forward as a target for the Islanders

The New York Islanders have been the busiest team before the Olympic roster freeze. Last Monday, the Islanders acquired Carson Soucy from the Rangers, then just a day later, acquired Ondrej Palat and two draft picks from the Devils. It's clear the Islanders want to make the most out of this season. They do not care that they were supposed to be "retooling" and are willing to do whatever it takes to make a deep playoff run.

In a recent article put out by The Athletic, Shayna Goldman said the Islanders should be looking for players with multiple years left on their deal. Guys, they can pencil in for the long term and be with the team for years to come. She named Jordan Kyrou as the player who best fits this. With the Blues 12 games back of a playoff spot, they should be sellers at the deadline, and Kyrou is one of their most valuable pieces. Here is why the Islanders should make a run at the forward.

Why the Islanders should go after Jordan Kyrou

Kyrou is currently in the third year of an eight-year contract worth $8.125 million per year. With the salary cap set to rise over the next few seasons, this is a very reasonable contract. He's also having a decent season. In 46 games, he has 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. While he's on pace for his lowest point total since the 2020-21 season, this could be attributed to the Blues' struggles as a whole.

His advanced metrics show that he's played better than his point total suggests. According to Natural Stat Trick, he has a 55.71 CF%, a 62.36 SCF%, and a 62.98 xG%. These are the highest numbers of his career. He's also been a threat from mid- and long-range shots, as he ranks in the 94th and 95th percentile according to NHL EDGE. It's clear Kyrou is still a very good offensive player. His point total may take a step back, but it's due to factors out of his control.

Kyrou will immediately slot into the Islanders' top six, likely on the second line with Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman. Of course, they could shake up the lines with Kyrou, but he, along with Drouin, Matt Barzal, and Bo Horvat, will all be locks to some top-six role. This gives the Islanders one of the most dangerous offensive attacks in the NHL. Not just for this season, but for the next couple of seasons.

Now trading for Kyrou is not as simple as it seems. The Islanders currently have just over six million in cap space. So the Islanders will either need the Blues to retain salary or find a third team to help make the finances work. Kyrou will also have to be willing to waive his no-trade clause. But if all of these parameters are met, these two can come to an agreement. It likely takes a couple of young prospects, ideally defenseman, as well as some draft picks. A steep asking price, but worth it for a player like Kyrou.

If the Islanders are serious about making a deep playoff run, they have to make a push for Kyrou. Adding him will give the Islanders a lethal offensive attack that few teams can match or contain.