NY Islanders trades: 3 Tampa Bay Lightning to target this offseason

The NY Islanders got the ball rolling this offseason by re-signing Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist. Both players proved to be quality signings at reasonable cap hits.

But there’s still more to be done. Aside from the remaining free agents (including RFAs), the Islanders must add more depth as we saw how injuries ravaged the team last season. This conversation might have been more complicated with Lou Lamoriello still at the helm. But with Mathieu Darche running the show, the Islanders have a unique opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

So, that brings a thought to mind: Given Darche’s familiarity with the Tampa Bay Lightning, why not work something out to pluck solid Lightning players, especially given the Bolts’ tight cap situation, to help the Isles get back into the playoff hunt next season.

3 Tampa Bay Lightning players NY Islanders could target this offseason

Ryan McDonagh

Ryan McDonagh is an interesting trade candidate this offseason. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet has already included him in the Off-Season Trade Board.

It’s plain to see why.

The Bolts have $3.48 million in cap space and likely need to make room for more contracts to round out the club.

Last summer, the Utah Mammoth benefitted from the Lightning’s cap issues by landing Mikhail Sergachev. This summer, it looks like McDonagh is going to be sacrificed, once again.

The cost to bring McDonagh won’t be high. He would come in around for about a late-round draft pick and a middling prospect. In return, the Isles would get a 35-year-old Stanley Cup vet in the final year of his deal carrying a $6.5 million cap hit.

McDonagh would be a stopgap solution this season but is the type of player Patrick Roy likes. Taking a shot on McDonagh could pay off, especially if the Isles run into injury issues again this upcoming season.

Oliver Bjorkstrand

The Lighting got Oliver Bjorkstrand along with Yanni Gourde at this season’s trade deadline hoping to bolster their middle six. Both players showed solid performances, but now cap considerations may be a concern.

Bjorkstrand comes with a $5.4 million cap hit in his final year. Like McDonagh, it wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to land Bjorkstrand. Plus, if things work out on Long Island, Bjorkstrand could stay long-term. The potential to have Bjorkstrand adding scoring depth in the top six makes pulling the trigger on this deal worthwhile.

There’s another angle, here. Since Darche is now in Long Island, Bjorkstrand, who has a modified no-trade clause, would be much more amenable to joining the NY Islanders.

Nick Paul

Nick Paul is a different story. He’s a solid middle-six center and comes with a $3.15 million cap hit for the next four seasons. But he's something the Islanders need given how relatively thin the team is down the middle.

So, Paul’s very palatable contract could cost the Isles more than McDonagh or Bjorkstrand. I would also say that the Lightning might be less inclined to move Paul as the cap savings wouldn’t be as substantial as either Bjorkstrand or McDonagh.

But landing Paul would be an opportunity too good to miss. The biggest hitch is Paul’s full no-trade clause. It’s still worth kicking the tires on Paul because of, again, the connection to Mathieu Darche. Perhaps getting Paul would be easy if the Islanders agreed to take on McDonagh's contract. It's a possibility to enhance the Bolts' cap space.

Ultimately, the NY Islanders can take advantage of the Lightning’s air-tight cap situation and potentially address gaps for the short term and beyond.