Did NY Islanders Give Up Too Much At the Trade Deadline?
The NY Islanders made some big moves at the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. This will bolster the roster for a playoff run. But, there is one question: did the Islanders give up too much and sacrifice their future?
Islanders Aquire Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac
On April 7, 2021, the Islanders acquired Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac in exchange for A.J. Greer, Mason Jobst, a 2021 first-round pick and a 2022 conditional fourth-round pick. If the Islanders advance to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, the fourth-round pick becomes a third-round pick in 2022 or 2023. The Islanders have the option of which pick they will transfer.
Did the Islanders give up to much for two rentals? The answer is no. The Islanders traded two players who they will never use at the NHL level. Although Jobst had the potential to make the Islanders lineup in the future as an injury replacement, this team is looking to win now. Greer is an AHL player at best.
The picks the Islanders traded were a first and a conditional fourth-rounder. Draft picks have been said to be like a coin flip. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don’t. Would you rather attempt to win a Stanley Cup or bet on getting lucky for the future?
Islanders acquire Braydon Coburn
On April 11, 2021, the Islanders acquired Braydon Coburn from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2022 seventh-round pick.
The Islanders added more defensive depth by picking up 2021 Stanley Cup champion Braydon Coburn. Although he didn’t play a lot of playoff games, he still got to experience a Stanley Cup run. With Islanders captain Anders Lee out for the playoffs, the team needs more veteran leadership. Johnny Boychuck helped out with that last year but unfortunately went on the LTIR after the playoffs. Trading for Coburn was a great pickup by Lou Lamoriello for more depth in the upcoming playoffs.
Did the Islanders give up a lot for Braydon Coburn? The answer is no. The Islanders gave up a seventh-round draft pick in 2022 for him. Seventh-round picks rarely turn into good NHL players. The Islanders gave up a useless pick for a veteran depth defenseman who could help propel this team to a deep playoff run.
Did The Islanders Give Up Too Much In the Trade Deadline?
No. This is a simple answer.
The Islanders still have their top players and have added to their depth with Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac and Braydon Coburn. Lou Lamoriello has put the Islanders in a good spot to make a deep playoff run and potentially win it all.
