The New York Islanders have been one of the most exciting and successful teams early in the 2019-20 NHL season, but there always will be room for improvement especially for a team looking to make a deep run this April. The Islanders aren’t a bad team or necessarily in need of anything at this exact moment, but here are a few possible trade options the Islanders shouldn’t shy away from if the asking price is reasonable. 

#3 Kyle Turris, Center – Nashville Predators

Kyle Turris has recently been looked at as the odd man out on the struggling Nashville Predators depth chart, as he has frequently found himself in the press box. Turris is currently 30-years-old and has entered the second year of his six-year contract that is worth $36 million. Turris could easily slot in and be an effective third-line center for the Islanders but is his hefty contract worth his play.

The only way this trade could realistically happen would be if the Nashville Predators were willing to take Andrew Ladd and his hefty contract in return, but the Islanders would certainly have to also retain a portion of Ladd’s salary to even consider the trade for Nashville’s perspective. This trade could be looked at as a fresh start for both struggling players but will still remain unlikely due to Ladd’s recent injury history.

#2 Taylor Hall, Left Wing – New Jersey Devils

It has been heavily noted by reliable sources such as Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie that the New Jersey Devils have at least started to hear teams out on potentially trading the 2017-18 NHL MVP. Taylor Hall is currently twenty-seven years old and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. There is certainly no debate that Hall would make the Islanders a better team, but what would the price be for the Islanders to land the superstar on Long Island.

This trade is listed at number three due to the pure fact that the Islanders will be willing to give up a big prospect like Noah Dobson or Oliver Wahlstrom to a divisional “rival” and for a potential rental player. More likely than not Islander fans will have to continue the wait on acquiring a superstar as chances will be very low to get Hall from the Devils for a decent price.

#1 Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Center – Ottawa Senators

Jean-Gabriel Pageau has been one of the most underrated players early on during the 2019-20 campaign. Pageau is an unrestricted free agent heading into next season, making him a bit cheaper to acquire as a rental.

Acquiring Pageau could be huge move and has the potential to truly play a major role on the Islanders and flourish even more under Barry Trotz’s system. He would certainly be the perfect fit for third line center and has the previous playoff experience during Ottawa’s run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. The cost for Pageau is uncertain as of now, but the more he continues to produce the higher his trade value will get closer to the deadline.

John Smark