Team: 2017-18 New York Islanders

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 12, 2018

Published: Jan. 12, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Background: As almost everyone knows, the Islanders season went from scorching hot to a screeching halt following the injuries of Calvin De Haan and Johnny Boychuk and atrocious goalie play. As of late, it appears the latter has turned it around. But the defense (in the Isles own end) and bottom-6 scoring touch have continued to be lackluster. All of this is happening at perhaps the worst time possible: John Tavares and Josh Bailey's contract years.

Problem: Does Garth Snow trust his coaching staff and roster to turn themselves around without intervention or must he explore the markets and add to the team?

Needs:
1) A right handed, top-4 defenseman who has proven to be reliable in his own end.
2) Middle-line scorer who can ignite his new linemates and/or push Jason Chimera/Shane Prince/Alan Quine out of the lineup
3) Goalie who is more consistent than what the Isles have had for the majority of the season.

Surplus:
1) Young prospects with up-side on offense/defense
2) Draft picks

Trade block:
Brock Nelson (as reported by Elliotte Friedman)
Draft picks
Prospects

Trade rationale:
1) Tyson Barrie broke his hand on 12/27 and expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks. I'm projecting this trade to happen down the line rather than today, so he will be back by the time of the deal. Barrie is under contract for 2 additional seasons after this and fills the Islanders RHD need. I also believe COL will be further down in the standings and more open to making a move. Ho-Sang has electric speed and a playmaking ability. His problem seems to be losing the puck in the neutral zone, but his skill is unquestionable and is likely a future Top-6 forward. The Islanders make this move because they need to prove to JT and Bailey they are willing to go all in.

2) As Elliotte Friedman reported, Nelson is on the block. I also found it interesting that he mentioned that Nelson can get down on himself, which explains why he disappears in spurts. The Isles should give him a new start in VAN. While the Vanek experiment didn't work exceptionally well the first time around, he would only be asked to play half a season here and is a more consistent upgrade to the 3rd line. (just a note - I also considered a Maroon for Nelson straight swap) but thought VAN gave a more complete deal. Nilsson for Greiss is almost an even swap but the Isles kick in a 2nd to sweeten the overall deal.

Conclusion: the below two trades may not necessarily solve all of the Islanders problems, but they are a sincere attempt to patch the glaring holes. Garth Snow cannot sit idly by (yet again) as his team sputters. There comes a time where enough is enough. I expect the Islanders to be active players up until the trade deadline.

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