Trade Predictions for the New York Islanders potential trade pieces

The New York Islanders have shown that even when healthy they are not a Stanley Cup contender. If the Islanders are far from a playoff spot by the trade deadline they should sell some of their older pieces like Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri. What could those trades look like?

Brock Nelson 

Despite his slow start to the season, Nelson is in the final year of his deal making $6 million, and is viewed as one of the top pieces that could be sold at this year's trade deadline. Nelson will most likely be traded to a playoff team so the blue and orange could get more value by retaining half of his salary making the other team only pay him $3 million. Teams that could be interested in the centerman are the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. All three teams are playoff teams and could use center depth to make a deep playoff run. 

A trade with the Stars could look like this, 

Islanders acquire: Mavrik Bourque and Dallas’s 2025 first-round pick
Stars acquire: Brock Nelson (NYI retain 50%)

Bourque was the Star’s first-round pick in 2020 and has had a weak season. He has 7 points in 32 games and could use a change of scenery and would inject youth into the lineup and could see more playing time on the blue and orange. 

A trade with the Canucks could look like this,:

Islanders acquire: Aatu Raty, and Vancouver’s 2025 first-round pick
Canucks acquire: Forward Brock Nelson (NYI retain 50%)

According to Stefan Rosner, Vancouver is interested in Brock Nelson. The Islanders and Canucks have been trade partners that have found success with each other so why not trade with each other again. The Islanders acquire their former top prospect in Raty who could receive playing time in the NHL depending on how the season goes. 

A trade with the Maple Leafs could look like this: 

Islanders acquire: Nick Robertson, and Toronto’s 2026 first-round pick
Maple Leafs acquire: Forward Brock Nelson

This would give the Maple Leafs a lot of depth with Nelson being able to play all forward positions he would be a good fit for the team. The Islanders get a young player who could use a change of scenery and it could be very beneficial for both teams involved. 

I think the most likely trade partner is Dallas because they are a Western Conference team and could give the Islanders the most assets in a trade.