The Islanders have already made a big splash acquiring Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils, but with the Trade Deadline just a day away, they could look to shore up any roster insecurities with depth trades, bolstering their cup contending roster. The Islanders have $3.069 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly. $3.069 million is not a large amount of cap but allows the Islanders to add a player or two if they see fit. 

Dmitry Kulikov is a physical depth defenceman that the Islanders can plug into their lineup if they suffer any injuries. The Islanders could double-dip with the Devils, making a second trade within a week. Kulikov is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and has a cap hit of $1.15 million, making him an affordable option for New York. Kulikov only has two assists for New Jersey this season, but he is not relied on for his offensive output. The price of Kulikov should be no more than a 3rd round pick, and even that price may be high. Kulikov is just one of many budget defensemen the Islanders can trade for if they want to shore up the defense, assuming they suffer injuries during the playoffs. 

Jake Virtanen is a trade that is a fun idea to ponder. The former 6th overall pick has not lived up to the potential he once had, and a change of scenery may be what he needs. Trade rumors regarding Virtanen have been circulating for a while, and the Islanders may be a perfect fit no one is discussing. Virtanen carries a cap hit of $2.55 million and is at the end of his contract. While the Islanders do not need another forward, Virtanen can provide goal scoring the Islanders need. Virtanen is a prototypical power forward. Virtanen throws the body and can score goals. Virtanen showcased his goal-scoring ability during the 2019-20 NHL season, where he scored a career-high 18 goals in the shortened season. Vancouver would be looking for a player of similar age in return or a draft pick. The struggling Virtanen only has four goals this year, a cleat drop from the prior year. The Islanders could help re-spark Virtanens goal-scoring and make Virtanen a core piece on a contending team. Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz could trade a young player they are not impressed with on their roster, allowing the Islanders to take a gamble on Virtanen. 

Colin Miller fits the Islander’s needs, a solid right-handed defenceman that can produce offense and help on defense. Buffalo would have to retain salary to make this trade work, as Miller has a cap hit of $3.88 Million. Miller has struggled during his tenure in Buffalo. The former Golden Knight was a formidable offensive threat; yet, his offense has completely dried up since playing in Buffalo. Miller’s steep decline in production could be because he plays for the struggling Sabres. Brandon Montour, a defenceman recently traded, also has seen his offense dry up while playing for Buffalo. The price for Miller should be no more than a late-round draft pick. Florida traded a 3rd round pick for Montour, so anything comparable to that gets the job done.

John Smark