Draft week is upon and as the league announced it schedule for the 16/17 season, the Islanders ramp up their draft week preparation. The question many have been asking is if Islander General Manager Garth Snow will be selecting in the first round at 19?
There were reports yesterday that Edmonton Oilers' winger Taylor Hall is available. Reports immediately surfaced that the Isles are interested. I do know that there has been ongoing discussion since last fall between the Oilers and the Isles but as of right now, New York has made no offer for the gifted Edmonton winger.
The reason why these talk refuse to go away is that the Oilers and the Islanders are perfect trade partners for each other. Edmonton is in dire need of quality dmen and New York is desperate for a winger of Taylor Hall's ability to line up next to John Tavares. It makes sense that a deal between both parties can happen especially since both general mangers have a good working relationship.
Garth Snow and Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli complete a trade this past draft that sent Griffin Reinhart home to Western Canada and the Isles received two draft picks. Before that Chiarelli was the Bruins GM when Garth Snow sent picks to Boston for defensman Johnny Boychuk.
The needs for both teams simply match here and the puzzle pieces fit for both organizations. I fully believe that there is a deal to made here but it is all depanent on the cost. The Isles need a player like Taylor Hall and acquiring him would give the team a one/two punch that is similar to what the Dallas Stars have in Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn.
We all know the Isles need a major influx of offensive talent. Without question I want Taylor Hall on the roster BUT if there is a better deal where I'm not disrupting the roster's defensive depth, I'm going to consider that. If I can get a winger without trading defenseman Travis Hamonic, I have to strongly consider that deal first. Everyone in the league knows that the Isles need wingers, it is now up to Snow to get it done.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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