The Islanders in an unfavorable situation in terms of signing restricted free agent Mathew Barzal, especially to a long term contract. Barzal is coming of of his entry-level deal, and was the Islanders leading scorer in all three of his full seasons. His play should earn him a very nice paycheck. Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey predicts “Barzal agrees to six-year, $45 million deal,” which would hypothetically carry an annual average of $7.5 million. Johnny Boychuk has not officially signed retirement paper-work, but he will more than likely be put on long term injured reserve, which would clear about an extra $6 million in cap space. This will leave the Islanders with approximately $9.9 million left on the salary cap. However, they will also need money for next season, as Anthony Beauvillier, Adam Pelech, and Ilya Sorokin will need new contracts. The current NHL cap ceiling is $81.5 million, and it was supposed to increase to about $90 million. However, due to COVID-19, the NHL is not in a position to do that for at least two years. Now, the Islanders are scrambling to make cap-saving moves. So, let’s take a look at what Lou Lamiorello should and should not do to give Barzal a contract.

Do: Explore Trades for Andrew Ladd or Leo Komarov

Leo Komarov (33) has two more years left on his contract, at $3 million each year. Ladd (34) has three more years remaining on his, at $5.5 million a year.  Andrew Ladd would be incredibly difficult to trade away, as the Islanders would likely need a first round pick as a sweetener, as Ladd has little to no NHL viability anymore. Only serious rebuilders with tons of cap room like the Red Wings or Senators would even consider. While still difficult and unlikely, trading Komarov, who has more of a chance of cracking an NHL lineup, could work. The Islanders wouldn’t get much in return for Komarov, possibly needing to add a sweetener if he does not receive interest. A team in need of veteran depth, or a rebuilder, may be interested.

Don’t: Explore Trades for Josh Bailey

Recently, a rumor was released, saying the Islanders were debating trading Josh Bailey. There is no logical reason that he should be traded to keep Barzal. Unlike Boychuk or Ladd, Bailey would have lots of interest around the league. The Islanders would receive a draft pick, not give one unto clear the cap. But Bailey should absolutely not be traded. His line with Brock Nelson and Anthony Beauvillier was the best performing line during the playoffs, and nobody could fill Bailey’s shoes if he were traded. Even though losing two defenseman, Toews and Boychuk, wasn’t ideal, trading Bailey would be necessary and foolish.

Do: Sign Matt Martin and Andy Greene on the Cheap

Matt Martin and Andy Greene are two of the unsung heroes of the New York Islanders. Matin is a key part of the heart and soul of the Islanders. He’s the first to drop the gloves and stand up for a teammate, or lay a bone-crushing blow to the other team’s star player, and his line with Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas is arguably the best fourth line in hockey. As for Andy Greene, with Boychuk’s career coming to an end, the Islanders will need as much depth on the blue line that they can get. Greene could also mentor Noah Dobson and other young defensemen who can make the team. Ideally, both of these players will make $1 million or less, which should leave just about enough space left for Barzal.

Don’t: Re-Sign Derrick Brassard

As a late signing right before the season, Brassard had a bounce-back year. Coming off a season where he played for three different teams, Pittsburgh, Florida, and Colorado, the 32-year-old was set up for a poor season on the Island. But, Brassard compiled 32 points in 66 games, and was a good fit in Barry Trotz’s system. However, the Islanders need to save every penny they can get. If they keep Martin and Greene, who are huge role players, that may make Derick Brassard the odd man out. Jean-Gabriel Pageau is the new third line center, and the Isles have plenty of talent, young and old, to play on that wing. Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom may both be ready to step up, and are more than capable of filling Brassard’s shoes.

Do: Match any realistic offer sheets on Mat Barzal

Mathew Barzal is the Islanders franchise player, and they can’t afford to lose him under any circumstance. Some rumors say teams may begin giving mat Barzal an offer sheet, but they lack merit. If this were to happen, to sum it up quickly, if a team gives another team’s RFA an offer, they have one week to match it. If they match, that is the player’s new contract for his team. If they do not, the RFA signs elsewhere, and the team who lost the player receives a draft pick compensation. Since Barzal would be expensive, the Islanders would receive at least one first round pick. Still, unless Barzal is offered an insane contract, the Islanders should go out of their way to make sure Barzal is an Islander next season, which Lou Lamoriello said he would do.

Don’t: Sign Big-Name Free Agents

Many Islander fans believe the Islanders should approach a big name free agent. Of the free agents left, Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair, Andreas Athanasiou, Sami Vatanen, and Travis Hamonic are some of the biggest names still on the market. But the Islanders need to save every penny they can get. They have all the bodies they need, on offense, defense, and goaltending, to make another playoff run. Assuming Barzal does get a contract, the top two lines are full, and there is no reason spending a lot of money on a bottom-six forward. More defense could help, but all three pairs can be filled, and they don’t have any extra spending money.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others