Islanders Need to Sell As Much as Possible Before Trade Deadline

This is going to be a tough time for New York Islanders fans. Less than a season removed from a Game 7 defeat in the Stanley Cup semifinal, the Islanders find themselves far on the outside of the playoff picture. The team's playoff chances are diminishing more and more as time goes on.

It is time for the Islanders to become sellers at the trade deadline. After two straight years of being buyers, the Isles management should accept this team will not be able to win. There are many players we could see moved before the March 21 deadline.

Which New York Islanders Might Be Traded?

The majority of the Isles roster should be available. The only untouchable players should be Mathew Barzal, Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Ilya Sorokin. Now that doesn't mean everyone not listed will be traded, but the Islanders should at least listen to all offers.

The news of the Islanders being sellers comes after rumors that the Isles are listening to offers on Cal Clutterbuck. Josh Bailey, Kyle Palmieri, Andy Greene, and Zdeno Chara are all players the Islanders are rumored to listen to future offers on as well.

The Benefits of Selling

The return isn't the full reason the Isles should sell. Getting draft picks in return for their players will be a pivotal piece in a much-needed re-tool, but there are two other major factors to consider. Moving large contracts off the books and opening up roster spots. Freeing up cap space will set the Islanders up nicely to make future moves. Younger players such as Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom will be able to develop and get more consistent ice time.

As sad as this period leading up to the trade deadline will be for Islanders fans, it will be for the best. Losing fan-favorites and long-time Islanders is tough. There will be a new crop of prospects for the Isles future making their way here shortly. Selling has to be done for the best interest of the team and its potential future success.