Potential Value for Islanders Trade Chips
At the March 21 NHL Trade Deadline, New York Islanders’ President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello should be busy. With the postseason unlikely, the Islanders are expected to be sellers for the first time under Lamoriello. Let’s take a look at the trade value of some of the Islanders who are most likely to be moved.
Cal Clutterbuck- Third-Round Pick, Fifth-Round Pick
Many teams in contention would love to have Cal Clutterbuck on their team. Clutterbuck played a big role in the Islanders’ previous two postseason runs and can do the same for a team looking for a gritty enforcer. Moving Clutterbuck for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick is reasonable given he is one of the best fourth-liners in the NHL.
Clutterbuck has five goals and eight assists, but more importantly, ranks second in the NHL in hits. Clutterbuck can also kill penalties.
Semyon Varlamov- First-Round Pick, Third-Round Pick
Now, this may seem like a lot for Semyon Varlamov. But, the only way Varlamov is moved is for a haul. The Islanders likely won’t trade Varlamov unless they are offered a deal Lamoriello can’t refuse. Moving Varlamov for a first and third-round pick could happen.
Varlamov has struggled this season, winning just three games. However, he is still a talented goaltender that can make an instant impact on another team. Plus, he has one more season on the four-year, $20 million contract he signed on July 1, 2019.
Andy Greene- Fifth-Round Pick
Teams in need of a veteran defenseman can ask the Islanders about Andy Greene. Just as the Islanders acquired Braydon Coburn last season, teams will likely look to do the same. Greene is a name that comes to mind and a fifth-round pick for his services is reasonable.
Greene has two goals and seven assists in 43 games this season. He has playoff experience — he helped New Jersey reach the 2012 Stanley Cup Final — and was traded to the Islanders on Feb. 16, 2020.
Zdeno Chara – Sixth-Round Pick
Veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara may also be traded. Chara could also be moved at the Trade Deadline for a late-round pick.
While Greene has been more consistent, has more speed, and is younger, Chara is an NHL legend who will be great in the locker room.
Clutterbuck, Varlamov, Greene and Chara could all be moved before the NHL Trade Deadline. Now, we just have to see what Lamoriello decides to do.
Writer for Drive4Five covering the New York Islanders.
