The NY Islanders could look to move on from a left-handed defenseman this summer

Now that the NY Islanders have hired Mathieu Darche as the organization’s General Manager, he’ll be looking to improve this roster as much as possible from the get-go.

The Islanders' defense had difficulties staying healthy last season, including all three left-handed defensemen missing time simultaneously in November. 

Darche could look to move a defenseman

This forced 20-year-old Isaiah George into NHL action sooner than expected, surprising most as to how well he adapted to pace of the game. 

In just his third game with the Islanders, George logged 24:07 of ice-time, a career high, in a 4-3 OT loss to the NJ Devils.

Playing his last game in the NHL on January 30, George was returned to Bridgeport, where he played for the remainder of the season.

But now with a year of professional experience under his belt, George may be ready to make the jump to the NHL full-time, meaning the Islanders may look to move one of their current left-handed defensemen. 

Mike Reilly is scheduled to hit free agency on July 1, and Alexander Romanov and Scott Perunovich will become RFAs. Romanov and Adam Pelech both have the most appeal in a trade, so one of those two would be the likely candidates in a trade. 

Romanov had what was probably his best season in the NHL, establishing himself as top four defenseman for the Isles. Pelech, on the other hand has had difficulty staying healthy, and carries a team friendly $5.75 AAV for the next four seasons.

The long-time Islander could attract attention from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are constantly looking for ways to improve their defense. 

Moving Pelech would make space for George to play in the NHL full-time, teaming up on the left side with Romanov and potentially Matthew Schaefer, if that’s the way Darche elects to go with the first overall pick.