Team: 2021-22 New York Islanders

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 1, 2021

Published: Aug. 1, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

First things first, I am not sold on the idea of acquiring a player at what is likely going to be a bare minimum 5 mil cap hit while almost definitely losing a player off the roster (Tarasenko). So he's an alternative, albeit less likely plan that the Islanders could potentially follow. As is expected at the moment, the Islanders bring back all their UFA's and RFA's (as well as Parise), all right around their expected cap hits for next year. Now its time to continue to do what Lou does best, and free up some more cap, moving Leo and Hickey seems inevitable, and it really could be any team, but Arizona has no players so I put them hear taking those contracts for a 2nd and 3rd. Next, I have the Isles buying out the rest of Panik's contract and trading Clutterbuck off to the Sabres to continue to clear cap. (I know this move wouldn't be popular but Clutterbuck is really a super negative WAR player that is not worth keeping around). Lastly, in what is maybe one of the biggest trades in recent memory for the Isles, the bring in both Ekholm and Forsberg from the Preds for a haul of picks and prospects. It might be a bit of an overpay, but the players involved are so worth it that I think pretty much any price is worth paying, both of these players instantly make the team better. I think it makes sense on Nashville's end as well, they are a team that looks like their resetting, and getting a huge haul for 2 players on expiring deals would make sense for them. Comment and let me know what you think!

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