3 Trade Candidates for the New York Islanders This Season

The New York Islanders sit seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a 14-16-7 record. It’s been a while since they’ve found postseason success, with their last two playoff appearances ending in lopsided losses to the Carolina Hurricanes. Changes could be coming to Long Island sooner rather than later. Here are three trade candidates who the Islanders might move.

Brock Nelson Leaving the Island for the First Time?

Brock Nelson, 33, is one of the main faces of the Islanders organization. Drafted in the first round in 2010 by New York, Nelson has remained a core piece to their forward core. The Minnesota native is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $6 million.

In his time on the island, Nelson has tallied 552 points (285g, 267a) with a plus/minus of +4. With the league-wide demand for a reliable top-six centerman, Nelson could fit the role in multiple scenarios. With some retained salary, the Islanders could get a huge haul of picks and prospects in return.

Get Something in Return for Kyle Palmieri

Kyle Palmieri, 33, is entering the final year of his four-year, $5 million per season contract with the Islanders. Palmieri has recorded 150 points (75g, 75a) in 260 games with the Islanders. With Palmieri currently on pace to have a career year, it may be time to capitalize on his trade value.

Acquiring a consistent scoring winger benefits any team. Having Palmieri on the wing can boost any team’s offense. His accurate right-handed shot is something you don’t see often in the league, putting up double-digit shooting percentages in nearly every season.

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Demand for #1 Goaltender Raising Semyon Varlamov’s Trade Value

Semyon Varlamov, 36, is nearing the end of his career, and what better time to capitalize on his trade value than right now? Varlamov has been extremely consistent in his tenure with the Islanders. Since joining New York, he has never had below a .911 save percentage until this year.

While this may be due to his age, the blame can be largely placed on the team themselves. Teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are looking for a consistent goaltender, and Varlamov may be on the move soon enough.

Next: Three Trade Candidates for the Predators Ahead of 2025