Why are the islanders adding their 2023 1st?

The Islanders are trading the three best pieces in that deal. Hard, hard pass

why would the islanders give you two more valuable pieces and also a first rounder for two cap dumps?

Thanks Lou. We could always count on you.

Whoops. Fixing now

Fixed the trade. Didn’t mean to include the isles 1st

Wood can play a bottom 6 role
Mack has been increasingly steady in net since coming back from injury, and is back to showing flashes. Who knows if that stays consistent though

I can see a prospect or something going to the Island too, but Lou is historically not the kind of guy that trades for futures so I didn’t want to push it with prospects

I still think the Isles are going to be looking for more futures than a late 2nd if they're trading Varlamov & Parise in the same deal. Blackwood is bordering on reclamation project at this point (I like him but I don't like a .898/3.16 combo over his last 3 seasons), and Wood is an expensive pending UFA. I'd argue that Varlamov could get the 2nd on his own, and Parise at his cap hit should fetch a 3rd & a lottery ticket-type package. Jersey needs to add for that package, IMO.

On the other hand, think that's an overpay for Bjugstad (and that's another guy I like!) Arizona probably would accept the same type of package for Parise here - throw them a 3rd and an interesting project (Brian Halonen?) and I think they'll bite. Moving McLeod removes a solid depth player that's still cheap & young - even if you don't think he has a place on the team going forward you can probably flip out his RFA rights for something in June.