NY Islanders should target this surprise trade option to sure up the defense

One of the biggest areas the New York Islanders needed to improve this offseason was their blueline. Sure, the top pairing of Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock played well and was a large reason why the Islanders exceeded expectations. But outside of that, their defensive core left a lot to be desired. While they did not land any of the big free agents, a new trade target has emerged. It appears that Thomas Harley could be on the move this summer.

The Dallas Stars were very interested in acquiring Zach Werenski from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Part of the package they offered involved Harley. While this deal did not go through, it does not mean Harley is going to go back to the Stars. Harley is likely not happy that the Stars were dangling him in trade discussions and trying to find someone to replace him. It likely makes him feel undervalued by the organization, and he will want to find another team that will. But is he a good fit for the Isles?

Does Thomas Harley fit the Islanders?

Although Harley saw a decrease in point production, he still put in a solid season. In 70 games, he tallied six goals and 30 assists for 36 points. He also blocked a career-high 148 shots, delivered 39 hits, and forced 36 takeaways. He also had great advanced defensive metrics. According to Natural Stat Trick, he had a 51.15 HDCF% and a 49.87 xG%. These numbers indicate that Harley was above average at shutting down opponents' scoring chances.

The biggest strength in Harley's game has been his skating. According to NHL Edge, he has a max skating speed of 22.12 mph, which ranks in the 67th percentile. He also skated 4.53 miles per game, which was in the 96th percentile last season. He used this excellent skating ability on both ends of the ice. He will skate to set up offensive scoring chances. He will also use it to get in the middle of passing lanes and to block shots.

He is someone whom the Isles can put on their second pairing to play alongside Scott Mayfield. The two complement each other very nicely. Harley makes up for Mayfield's skating ability, and Mayfield makes up for Harley's lack of physical play. This pairing gives the Islanders a blend of the two play styles you want for defenseman. It also allows them to move Adam Pelech down to the bottom pairing with Alexander Romanov to create a physical shutdown pairing.

The biggest hurdle for the Islanders acquiring Harley is the money. He carries an average annual value of $10.5 million over the next eight seasons. The Islanders only have just over four million in cap space. This means they will either need to have the Stars retain cap, which is not something the Stars will want to do. Or make a corresponding move to make the finances work. But with how talented a player Harley is and with his contract, he can be a core piece; it's well worth it.

The Zack Werenski deal falling could turn into a major win for the Islanders. They could capitalize on a unhappy player and add a core piece to their blueline.

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