The one team with the perfect trade package for New York Islanders’ top pick

What better way to whittle the time down on said retool/rebuild than by acquiring the top-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft?

There Penguins have plenty of incentive as one of Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, or James Hagens could be just what the Pens need to build a new era in Pittsburgh from the ground up.

What New York Islanders could get from Pittsburgh Penguins in deal for #1 pick

What can the New York Islanders expect to get from the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Before I get into that, I’d like to make an assumption, here. The assumption is that the New York Islanders will not embark on a rebuild of their own, meaning that the Isles will roll with its current roster, believing that it’s good enough to compete.

That being said, the first-overall pick can yield an interesting and potentially useful return for the Islanders.

The Isles and Penguins would have to swap first-round picks to begin with. The Penguins have two first-round picks, so it makes sense for the Pens to deal one of them. That would be Pittsburgh’s own 11th-overall pick.

That 11th pick would allow the Islander to take a high-end center or the second or third-best blue liners in this year’s draft. That would make sense if the Isles are certain they can keep Noah Dobson long-term and that he’s their number-one blue liner.

As for specific players, Rickard Rakell could be a nice fit in the Isles’ top six. Tommy Novak looks enticing while Bryan Rust, though on the older side, could be a solid addition.

A package of NHL-ready prospects could make an interesting return. Prospects such as Isaac Belliveau, Jack St. Ivany, Filip Hallander, and Chase Stillman could make for interesting additions.

One last thing: This trade wouldn’t just involve a straight-up first-for-first pick swap plus players. It could also involve additional later-round picks. The Penguins have three third-rounders and two fifth-rounders in the 2025 NHL Draft. Adding a couple of those picks could be a nice incentive.

I would like to close this article by stating that I believe the Islanders should not touch their top pick. The universe conspired to send this pick the team’s way. The Isles have a chance to add an unbelievable player, regardless of who that ultimately is.

But just in case a team is motivated enough to go all-in and land the top pick, the Islanders should listen. There could be a transformational trade out there just waiting to happen.