The NY Islanders should do all they can to acquire Long Island native Shane Pinto

It's something that has been discussed over the last two off-seasons, but now, the NY Islanders "pursuit" of Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto has taken a new turn.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, talks have stalled between Pinto and the Senators and could lead to Pinto asking for a trade. Now, Anthony DiMarco of The Fourth Period has reported that Pinto has officially asked for a trade.

Pinto, a Franklin Square native, is 23 years old coming off a 9-goal, 18 assist season in which he played 41 games. He was suspended for the first half of the season after violating the NHL's gambling policy - the first player in the league to be suspended for betting on sports.

Pinto and the Senators have been at odds over a contract for the past few off-seasons, as he's been looking for more money with term. Last off-season he agreed to return to Ottawa on a one-year $775k contract, with hopes of a longer-term contract this year.

The Senators extended a qualifying offer to Pinto yesterday, only meaning they'll retain his rights rather than allow him to become an unrestricted free agent - as the Islanders have done with Oliver Wahlstrom. His qualifying offer is set at just $874,125 - an amount he's sure to turn down.

It's difficult to decipher what kind of deal it would take for the Islanders to acquire Pinto, as Ottawa has set the asking price high in the past. But now that Pinto has expressed his desire to be moved out of Ottawa, causing the Senators to lose some leverage on the negotiating front.

Cole Eiserman fell to the Islanders at No. 20 overall in the first round of the NHL Draft on Friday and could be a starting point for Lou Lamoriello. Ottawa passed on Eiserman once at the draft, selecting Carter Yakemchuk seventh overall, but Eiserman was projected to go at some point after the 10th pick. So could Steve Staios be intrigued with possibly bringing in the draft's top goal scorer? The Islanders likely don't want to part with their top prospect, but a 23-year-old Long Island native who can slot in a top-6 role immediately may be worth the move.

They'll be plenty of suitors for Pinto, but the Islanders will be in the mix.