The ultimate list of unrestricted free agents the Islanders can steal from their Metropolitan Division rivals

Jake Guentzel, Forward/Carolina Hurricanes

Yep, we’re starting off with Jake Guentzel, who would be a prize free agent should general manager Lou Lamoriello find a way to bring him to town. With a lack of cap space, Lamoriello would have no choice but to get creative and move some players here, but since we know the Isles are still good enough of a team to contend, why not try to make the necessary transactions and roll with one of the biggest names in the 2024 class?

Since returning from injury this season, Guentzel has been on a tear with the Carolina Hurricanes with 16 points and two goals. He’s logging top-six minutes with 17:43 of average total ice time, and his defensive game is also looking strong in Raleigh, with over half a takeaway per game, nine hits, and seven blocked shots. 

His Corsi For sits at nearly 60 percent at 5-on-5 as of Wednesday. And through his first 11 contests, the Hurricanes have scored 11 times while he’s on the ice in that same situation while allowing zero goals in the process. 

Overall, Guentzel has constantly shown us this season that whether he’s on an underperforming team or an elite one, he’s a good fit. If Lamoriello could somehow lure him to Long Island, there is no reason to believe Guentzel wouldn’t be a good fit there, too.