Don’t Expect the NY Islanders to Trade for These Three Players

#3: Pavel Buchnevich

The Hockey News reported that Buchnevich was a hot commodity during last year’s trade deadline. According to reports, the St. Louis Blues got calls from numerous teams inquiring about Buchnevich’s availability.

But as we know, the Blues did not move Buchnevich at the deadline. But just because the Blues didn’t move Buchnevich at the deadline, it doesn’t mean the team won’t trade him anyway. In fact, trade possibilities could increase, especially if the Blues fall into some type of rebuild.

If Buchnevich is officially on the market, he could be an enticing option for the Isles. He could play on the second line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. That combination would give the New York Islanders the depth scoring the team needs to stay in contention in the Metro Division.

However, Buchnevich comes with an $8 million cap hit, according to PuckPedia. That makes him a pricey proposition. While the Blues could retain some of that cap hit, the fact is that Buchnevich’s price may be too steep for the Isles to pay at this time.

While Lamoriello may do his due diligence on Buchnevich, the chances of the Islanders trading for the Russian winger are slim. There’s little chance the club would like to take on a massive deal at this point. Moreover, the price tag the Blues may want to attach to Buchnevich may be too high for the Isles’ liking.

Ultimately, we can cross Buchnevich off the Islanders’ trade list unless the price comes down significantly or if the Isles can find a way to slide his cap hit in for the next four seasons. $8 million per season would be better allocated to signing Noah Dobson to a long-term deal or acquiring two or three additional depth pieces to complement the roster.

#2: Kaapo Kakko

Kakko’s name has been swirling around trade rumors for a while now. The New York Rangers winger has quite lived up to the expectations that come with being a second-overall pick. In fact, Kakko had his worst season last year, playing 61 games and tallying 19 points. That lack of production has prompted fans and analysts to call for Kakko’s departure.

While it may be enticing to add a player of Kakko’s potential, trading for him would be nothing more than a calculated gamble. Sure, Kakko is just 23. So, there is plenty of time for him to grow and develop. Perhaps with the right structure and a coach who knows how to get the most out of him could make a difference.

But that’s a big “if.”

For argument’s sake, let’s assume that Kakko turns things around. The Isles could themselves a top-line winger with 30-goal ability. But taking that chance all depends on what price the Rangers want for Kakko. Kakko is under contract for one more year a $2.4 million, according to PuckPedia. Then, he becomes an RFA.

That situation further compounds the problem. Does Kakko re-sign? If so, for how much? Does Lamoriello even want to take the chance to have Kakko price himself out of Isles’ budget?

In all fairness, Kakko is a good player who hasn’t quite lived up to his full potential. If the price is right, Kakko could be a good pickup. If he fails to deliver, it won’t cost much. But as things stand, the chances of crosstown rivals making a deal involving Kakko look very slim at this point.

The Isles would be better off targeting other young players who don’t come with as much baggage as Kakko does.

#1: Trevor Zegras

Zegras’ name has been on the rumor mill for a long time. The Anaheim Ducks forward has shown what he can do. In 2022-23 he notched 23 goals and 65 points over 81 games. Those totals make him a highly attractive player.

Imagine a player like that on the Islanders. He would provide the Isles with a number-two center, perhaps playing in between Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Moreover, the Isles could experiment with a number of combinations. Zegras could play on the top unit or even move down to a third-line role.

While the options are plenty, it’s unreasonable to assume that Lou Lamoriello will be working the phones, trying to get Zagras. First, Zegras is coming off a major injury last season. He missed most of the year with various injuries including a broken ankle. While the ankle may be totally healed, there’s no telling if there will be any long-term effects.

Second, there’s Zegras’ $5.75 million cap hit, per PuckPedia. While that cap hit isn’t as high as Buchnevich’s, it’s still pretty hard to fit under the cap. So, would the Ducks be willing to retain salary? If so, the Ducks may have a higher asking price. That asking price may include a first-round pick.

Given the Isles’ lack of high-end prospects, sacrificing first-round picks may not be the best way to go.

Lastly, Zegras will be an RFA in 2027. That opens up another can of worms. Will Zegras command a double-digit AAV in his next deal? Could the Isles afford it?

All of these questions make trading for Trevor Zegras a highly risky proposition. Yes, there is plenty of upside in acquiring the Ducks’ center. But the potential cons far outweigh the apparent pros.