who was that dude who always used to sign his own posts with his username?


xxSomethingxx
- Nucker101

XXCptmjlXX

Doesn’t do that anymore.

I always read Ben's blogs!

They're gold!!!


- JohnScammo

Me too

XXCptmjlXX

Doesn’t do that anymore.
- nyisles7

nice try

nice try
- Nucker101

https://philadelphia.cbsl...n-boy-during-photo-shoot/

😂😂😂

who was that dude who always used to sign his own posts with his username?


xxSomethingxx
- Nucker101

XxNYIxX

He still pops in once a year or so.

XxJimmyPxX

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-police-investigating-claim-physically-assaulted-teen-boy-during-photo-shoot/

😂😂😂
- Cptmjl

Hardly news. This is what I expect from Philadelphia.

And what of Scott Mayfield, whose ill-advised stick jab at Brendan Lemieux helped turn a 4-0 sigh of relief into a nail-biter with less than seven minutes to go? He was back out there right after taking that double minor — a unique call by the referees, but hey, don’t spear anyone, especially a pest like Lemieux who sold the jab for all it was worth — and Mayfield was on the ice for most of the final few minutes.

Yes, different standard. Mayfield is one of Trotz’s trusted defensemen, especially late in games. So he gets to play, and Barzal gets to sit

And what of Scott Mayfield, whose ill-advised stick jab at Brendan Lemieux helped turn a 4-0 sigh of relief into a nail-biter with less than seven minutes to go? He was back out there right after taking that double minor — a unique call by the referees, but hey, don’t spear anyone, especially a pest like Lemieux who sold the jab for all it was worth — and Mayfield was on the ice for most of the final few minutes.

Yes, different standard. Mayfield is one of Trotz’s trusted defensemen, especially late in games. So he gets to play, and Barzal gets to sit
- Upstate_isles

100%

100%
- Cptmjl

That's about Mayfield. Not referring to Zajac, just so we're on the same page.

That's about Mayfield. Not referring to Zajac, just so we're on the same page.
- eichiefs9

Not interested in zajac

That's about Mayfield. Not referring to Zajac, just so we're on the same page.
- eichiefs9

😂

Not interested in zajac
- Upstate_isles

I'm interested in you Zajac'ing me off

And what of Scott Mayfield, whose ill-advised stick jab at Brendan Lemieux helped turn a 4-0 sigh of relief into a nail-biter with less than seven minutes to go? He was back out there right after taking that double minor — a unique call by the referees, but hey, don’t spear anyone, especially a pest like Lemieux who sold the jab for all it was worth — and Mayfield was on the ice for most of the final few minutes.

Yes, different standard. Mayfield is one of Trotz’s trusted defensemen, especially late in games. So he gets to play, and Barzal gets to sit
- Upstate_isles

(frank)ing guy can't skate and sucks. Trotz should have sat him the rest of the game for that!

Amazing how shatty the Blue Jackets where going to be this year. Dumb ass GM Kekalainen

Amazing how shatty the Blue Jackets where going to be this year. Dumb ass GM Kekalainen
- nyisles7

It's a little early to be sundowning

It's a little early to be sundowning
- eichiefs9

Nah, anytime is good for shat stirring

I guess you won't be filling in for Gritty anymore ?

Nah, anytime is good for shat stirring

I guess you won't be filling in for Gritty anymore ?
- nyisles7

I think we both know who here in the Isles thread is the one taking pictures with children while wearing the Gritty costume and it's not me.

Staple's trade board article he just released, for debate argument:

Islanders trade board: What scouts and executives are saying about their options at the deadline


By Arthur Staple 11m ago


The Islanders’ All-Star/CBA break has arrived. That means we’ve got time and space to devote to the Trade Board, which last season around this time produced nearly two dozen viable options … and zero trades.

Well, the Islanders are back in a pretty decent playoff position, despite a mediocre run through December and January. They are a veteran team with a few long-term deals in their early stages. They have Lou Lamoriello, a man not known for trying to stage a patient, slow build, and they have Barry Trotz, who could be the first coach in 30 years to win back-to-back Jack Adams awards.

All that, plus insight from three league executives and two pro scouts, leads us to believe the Islanders are looking to buy with the trade deadline 32 days away. Of course, they were looking to buy last season at the deadline and nothing happened, so this list is not some sort of cheat sheet — just players who may be available and fit what the Islanders are likely seeking.

Assets are still a problem for the Islanders. As one executive noted to The Athletic in discussing the Isles’ trade options: “It seems like they’re trying to be aggressive, but outside of (Noah) Dobson, there’s no one in the system that really jumps out at you.”

Dobson isn’t going to be moved. Neither is Ilya Sorokin, who doesn’t have much trade value at this point with zero NHL games (along with zero NHL contracts). Oliver Wahlstrom, Simon Holmstrom and Bode Wilde could turn out to be A-level prospects, but all three weren’t universally loved in their draft years and have hit some bumps in the developmental road since they were drafted.

The real problem for the Islanders is the lack of attractive pieces from prior drafts. Michael Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang and Kieffer Bellows have all dropped in standing from their draft years, thinning the group of high picks that most other teams would covet. Perhaps the most intriguing options in potential trades are recent mid-round picks, like defensemen Robin Salo (46th overall, 2017) and Samuel Bolduc (57th, 2019) and forward Ruslan Iskhakov (43rd, 2018).

It seems unlikely that Lamoriello would part with his 2020 first-round pick for two reasons: 1) There isn’t a player known on the market worth sacrificing that pick for, and 2) the Islanders are just three points from the wrong side of the wild-card chase, so gambling a potential lottery pick is a huge risk.

So, armed with all that cheery news, here’s a list of 21 potential Islanders trade targets, aided by comments from league executives and scouts who have seen the Islanders and Sound Tigers numerous times this season.

Rentals (veterans on expiring contracts)

Andy Greene, defenseman, Devils: It may seem strange to list a 37-year-old defenseman who’s currently a captain somewhere else at the top of this list. But if Greene, whom Lamoriello signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006, is willing to waive his no-trade clause after 914 games in Jersey, the Islanders make a lot of sense. He still plays 20 minutes a night and could provide some depth and stability on the left side for an Isles D corps that is going with 5 1/2 men every night as Trotz tries to keep Dobson as sheltered as possible.

Scout’s take: “This one feels like a no-brainer to me. They need a D and this is a guy Lou knows well, he’s a pro and he can fit into what they want to do.”

Projected cost: Hard to imagine there’s much of a market for a guy of his age who also has a no-trade. If it’s more than a third-round pick, that would seem to be too high.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, center, Senators: The 27-year-old would be the ideal No. 3 center for the Islanders, who could move Derick Brassard to the wing and have a far deeper 12-man forward group with Pageau in the lineup. He’s already tied his career high with 19 goals this season, and he’s the sort of Energizer bunny-type Trotz would be happy to use on the penalty kill, as a matchup center or even in scoring situations.

Exec’s take: “There’s so much buzz around him and I get it, but you do have that worry in the back of your mind: He’s having a great year playing major minutes for a lousy team. Is he going to jump right into your lineup and have the same results playing more of a role? He’s not going to be cheap.”

Projected cost: Depending on the bidding war, a second-rounder plus a prospect should get this done — if there are first-round picks being bandied about that would make little sense for the Islanders (or anyone else, really). Would a second plus Bolduc get it done? Ottawa is deep on the left side among its high-end youth, with Thomas Chabot and Erik Brannstrom. That might mean an extra pick or a different prospect, and the Isles don’t have a lot to choose from there.

Tyler Toffoli, forward, Kings: A consistent point-every-other-game scorer over his seven-plus seasons in L.A., he’s also got consistently strong metrics and can play a heavier style that the Islanders prefer. The Kings are rumored to be in some front-office flux — a league source indicated there could be a GM change coming at season’s end, so that may change the view on some of the vets. But the Kings are in sell mode, it seems, and the Islanders need a productive winger to solidify their top nine.

Exec’s take: “I’ve heard there hasn’t been much talk there because the cost is still pretty high, but it sure seems like they’re going to move him. Should pick up after the break.”

Projected cost: Much like with Pageau, surrendering a first for a rental seems foolish for the Isles, given where they are and the state of their prospect pool. If one of the league heavyweights (St. Louis, Boston), or a team like the Avalanche, decides surrendering a late first is worth the risk, the Isles can’t really counter.

Craig Smith, forward, Predators: A better player than some might give him credit for, the 30-year-old Smith has a shot for a sixth 2o-goal season in nine with the Preds. He’s also a big guy who plays a heavy game, and Trotz was in Nashville when Smith was coming up through the system. Not much for a speed game but neither are the Islanders.

Exec’s take: “A guy who could be sneaky good for someone at the deadline.”

Projected cost: A second (and perhaps a third or fourth) likely gets this done. That may even be too much depending on the bidders. But if the Preds, who are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West, decide to trim some from around the edges of their core, Smith is someone the Islanders could use.

Conor Sheary, forward, Sabres: Not the style of player that Trotz loves — he prefers size to speed — but the 27-year-old wing is a decent producer despite being scratched a few times for the fading Sabres this season. He could fit in anywhere in the Isles’ top nine, and his speed and shot make him a cost-effective candidate worth a try alongside Mathew Barzal.

Exec’s take: “You hear that Buffalo is going to be buying and I guess that makes sense if the GM (Jason Botterill) is out if they don’t make the playoffs. But that’s not realistic given where they are. If you’re looking to change some things up, moving Sheary makes sense.”

Projected cost: A third-rounder sounds on target. He’s not a contributor there, so holding teams up for ransom doesn’t seem wise.

Tyler Ennis, forward, Senators: Another smallish (5-foot-9) guy like Sheary, but Ennis is a pro who’s been around the league and has a bit of jam to his game as well as a scoring touch. He was a center in his early days in Buffalo, but now he’s a winger who can contribute on the power play and isn’t shy about getting the puck or himself to the net.

Scout’s take: “When you look at the Islanders, the thing that maybe they’re missing is just bodies — pro players who can fill a role, guys like (Valtteri) Filppula last year. They’re not going to shake up the room because they like what they have. Someone like (Ennis) checks a few boxes for them.”

Projected cost: Ottawa is Ennis’ fourth team in four years, so a fourth-rounder sounds like a reasonable return.

Brenden Dillon, defenseman, Sharks: San Jose hasn’t been a seller for decades now, but they’re 11 points out at the break, which screams sell. Plus they have a block of unmovable contracts, so a pending UFA veteran like Dillon will draw some interest. He’s a lefty (the Isles only need on D) and a stay-at-home type, as well as one who can handle himself in the trenches. With him lining up on the left side with Nick Leddy and Devon Toews, Trotz gets back the even split of left/right and stay-at-home/offensive defensemen he prefers.

Scout’s take: “They’re playing with fire a bit in only having six D on the roster that they’re willing to use. You can’t stay healthy back there for very long, and they’ve already taken a big hit with (Adam) Pelech down. They might need two D at the deadline.”

Projected cost: There will be some competition here and Dillon is a defenseman — D are prized deadline commodities. A second and a third or fourth might have to be the cost if Lamoriello sets his sights here.

Ilya Kovalchuk, forward, Canadiens: Yes, the Isles could have had Lamoriello’s old pal for the league minimum just a few weeks ago, when the Kings terminated Kovalchuk’s contract. But the 36-year-old wing looks like a new man in Montreal, albeit with the pressure turned way down thanks to the Habs floating in lottery space. Could he help the Islanders? Maybe. It would require a big buy-in defensively from someone who hasn’t always embraced life without the puck.

Projected cost: Feels like a fourth is the right call, which would be a minor bit of trickery from Habs GM Marc Bergevin.

Melker Karlsson, forward, Sharks: One of the other salable assets on the sinking Sharks, the 29-year-old wing wouldn’t feel like a huge upgrade from Tom Kuhnhackl, who fits a similar profile. If Cal Clutterbuck’s timeline is still unknown — Trotz indicated Clutterbuck might get back on the ice by the end of the break, but who knows how long it would be from there until he can play — Karlsson has a decent fourth-line pedigree and could play there.

Projected cost: A fourth-rounder most likely.

Trevor Lewis, forward, Kings: He comes with the right pedigree, having played a nice supporting role in two Stanley Cup runs. At 33, he is what he is, a bottom-six wing with a strong motor and not much scoring skill. That feels like a duplicate effort for the Islanders, but he would certainly fit in well.

Projected cost: Another rental in the fourth-rounder range.

Erik Gustafsson, defenseman, Hawks: Feels weird that a defenseman coming off a 60-point season could be on the block; the Hawks’ recent surge might also put this one on the back burner until the summer, when the Isles wouldn’t have much need with Pelech healthy. But his name has been out there and he could help from the left side.

Projected cost: This one is tricky, given his eye-popping numbers. A second, perhaps?

Chris Kreider, forward, Rangers: He has to be on the list because he’ll be the top rental target if the Rangers commit to moving him and he’d be a perfect fit for the Isles, who would love to have his unique combination of speed/size/skill. The idea of the Rangers moving their best deadline chip to the Island for more futures is a little shaky, however.

Projected cost: Might be the only player on anyone’s trade board who’s more likely than not to command a first rounder back — maybe even a bit more than that. Far too rich for the Isles, especially with no hope of signing him long term.

Pending RFAs

Andreas Athanasiou, forward, Red Wings: Detroit would have players all over this board if it had much of anything worth selling. Athanasiou is having a lousy season along with everyone else on the Wings, but he’s still only 25 and has some amazing attributes. Midseason moves for pending RFAs aren’t simple, but he would provide a real spark for the Islanders.

Projected cost: Difficult to gauge unless Steve Yzerman is simply ready to get some assets back for whatever he can move out. A second at the very least, and more likely a second plus a prospect for someone the Isles would be intent on signing after a deal.

Kevin Labanc, forward, Sharks: A rare case of a talented young player who bet on himself and saw it backfire. Labanc avoided the RFA frenzy last summer and signed a one-year, $1 million deal; now he’s stuck on a team loaded with bad deals and not much help on the way. He’s a Staten Island kid who might not hate a change of scenery and a right-shot scorer, something the Isles need.

Projected cost: Given San Jose’s need to start gathering assets with a lot of veterans on the far end of their prime, the ask would certainly include a first. With three more years of cost control, that’s not out of line. Labanc is probably the only player on this list for whom it would make sense to move a first.


Players with term remaining

Tomas Tatar, forward, Canadiens: He’s had a year-plus of strong play in Montreal, but it’s been a few years since he was a key contributor on a good team. Would the offense-minded wing be able to adapt to Trotz’s system? He’s also got another year at a $4.8 million cap hit, so there are considerations beyond the next few months that factor in.

Projected cost: He’s not exactly a problem Montreal needs to get off its books — they’d need a solid offer to move him. A second and an intriguing prospect like Bolduc might do it, but that’s a big price for the Islanders to pay without being sure Tatar fits what they need.

Kyle Palmieri, forward, Devils: Currently hurt but perennially one of the best Devils since they scooped him up for a second and a third in 2015, he might be the most attractive deadline chip for a Devils team that needs to decide its new path soon. Palmieri was born on Long Island, though raised in Jersey, so it’s hard to imagine the Isles are on his eight-team no-trade list. He’s a right-shot forward who is equally good on the power play as at 5v5.

Projected cost: Depending on the bidders, it could be similar to what the Ducks got for Palmieri five years ago — a 2 and a 3, maybe with a lower-end prospect as well. He does still have another year at an eminently affordable $4.65 million cap hit, so a pair of second-rounders might be more accurate.

Ondrej Kase, forward, Ducks: Still only 24 and with another year at a $2.6 million cap hit (and an RFA after that), Kase doesn’t seem like the sort of player the floundering Ducks would move. But he reportedly hasn’t been a fit with Dallas Eakins and is on the block. Kase is the sort of young winger with real scoring potential (he had 20 in 2017-18) the Islanders don’t have enough of.

Projected cost: At least a second rounder.

Brandon Saad, forward, Hawks: Hard to believe he’s only 27 after all of his years in the league. He’s been coveted in a lot of front offices before, and if the Hawks feel like they have a realistic shot at the playoffs, he’s likely not going anywhere. But a youngish scoring winger with some decent wheels? Barzal says yes to that.

Projected cost: The Hawks don’t have much coming on D. Would a second plus Wilde get this done? Depends on how Chicago views Wilde, of course. Saad has another year at a $6 million AAV, which could be prohibitive for the Isles with contracts coming for Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

Alec Martinez, defenseman, Kings: He’s 32 and just coming back from missing six weeks due to a skate cut, but he’s another sturdy, veteran D the Isles could use. He can also play the left and right sides, which helps going forward as he has another year at a $4 million cap hit. It’d be a big play that would throw the 2020-21 D corps into flux, but Martinez could thrive in the Isles’ system.

Projected cost: The Kings have plenty of futures already, so this deal might require a forward off the Isles roster — something that doesn’t really sound feasible given the team needs. Would a second, Dal Colle and a prospect make this one happen? Is Dal Colle still enough of a draw to push a deal over the top?

Nick Bonino, center, Predators: He’s an ideal No. 3 center, even at 31. He’s got a ring with the 2016 Penguins and amazingly is tied for second on the Preds this season with 14 goals. He would provide both a nice fit with the defense-first Isles and some scoring touch, especially in the postseason. And a year left at an affordable $4.1 million cap hit wouldn’t likely mess with the Isles’ internal contract situations this coming offseason.

Projected cost: Wouldn’t be terribly high, even for someone with term left. A second-rounder and a third or fourth likely does it, but the Predators may want to keep a reliable guy like Bonino around to smooth John Hynes’ transition into his first full year next fall.

Travis Zajac, forward, Devils: Zajac is a Lamoriello favorite even if his best years are behind him. He’d be an intriguing option as a No. 3 center but the year he has left at a decently sized $5.75 million cap hit means if he’s an option before Feb. 24, there’d have to be some salary retained to make it even remotely worthwhile. Zajac did have 19 goals last season, and the intangibles Lamoriello and Trotz speak of are evident with him.

Scout’s take: “Again, you look at guys who fit what the Isles want to do and guys that Lou feels comfortable with. Zajac fills both spots there. Also not going to rock the boat on a new team, especially one with Lou in charge.”

Projected cost: Zajac would have to waive his no-trade clause to approve a deal, so the market can’t be extensive. It would require a third-rounder at most, provided the Devils keep some of the cap hit.

Staple's trade board article he just released, for debate argument:

Islanders trade board: What scouts and executives are saying about their options at the deadline


By Arthur Staple 11m ago


The Islanders’ All-Star/CBA break has arrived. That means we’ve got time and space to devote to the Trade Board, which last season around this time produced nearly two dozen viable options … and zero trades.

Well, the Islanders are back in a pretty decent playoff position, despite a mediocre run through December and January. They are a veteran team with a few long-term deals in their early stages. They have Lou Lamoriello, a man not known for trying to stage a patient, slow build, and they have Barry Trotz, who could be the first coach in 30 years to win back-to-back Jack Adams awards.

All that, plus insight from three league executives and two pro scouts, leads us to believe the Islanders are looking to buy with the trade deadline 32 days away. Of course, they were looking to buy last season at the deadline and nothing happened, so this list is not some sort of cheat sheet — just players who may be available and fit what the Islanders are likely seeking.

Assets are still a problem for the Islanders. As one executive noted to The Athletic in discussing the Isles’ trade options: “It seems like they’re trying to be aggressive, but outside of (Noah) Dobson, there’s no one in the system that really jumps out at you.”

Dobson isn’t going to be moved. Neither is Ilya Sorokin, who doesn’t have much trade value at this point with zero NHL games (along with zero NHL contracts). Oliver Wahlstrom, Simon Holmstrom and Bode Wilde could turn out to be A-level prospects, but all three weren’t universally loved in their draft years and have hit some bumps in the developmental road since they were drafted.

The real problem for the Islanders is the lack of attractive pieces from prior drafts. Michael Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang and Kieffer Bellows have all dropped in standing from their draft years, thinning the group of high picks that most other teams would covet. Perhaps the most intriguing options in potential trades are recent mid-round picks, like defensemen Robin Salo (46th overall, 2017) and Samuel Bolduc (57th, 2019) and forward Ruslan Iskhakov (43rd, 2018).

It seems unlikely that Lamoriello would part with his 2020 first-round pick for two reasons: 1) There isn’t a player known on the market worth sacrificing that pick for, and 2) the Islanders are just three points from the wrong side of the wild-card chase, so gambling a potential lottery pick is a huge risk.

So, armed with all that cheery news, here’s a list of 21 potential Islanders trade targets, aided by comments from league executives and scouts who have seen the Islanders and Sound Tigers numerous times this season.

Rentals (veterans on expiring contracts)

Andy Greene, defenseman, Devils: It may seem strange to list a 37-year-old defenseman who’s currently a captain somewhere else at the top of this list. But if Greene, whom Lamoriello signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006, is willing to waive his no-trade clause after 914 games in Jersey, the Islanders make a lot of sense. He still plays 20 minutes a night and could provide some depth and stability on the left side for an Isles D corps that is going with 5 1/2 men every night as Trotz tries to keep Dobson as sheltered as possible.

Scout’s take: “This one feels like a no-brainer to me. They need a D and this is a guy Lou knows well, he’s a pro and he can fit into what they want to do.”

Projected cost: Hard to imagine there’s much of a market for a guy of his age who also has a no-trade. If it’s more than a third-round pick, that would seem to be too high.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, center, Senators: The 27-year-old would be the ideal No. 3 center for the Islanders, who could move Derick Brassard to the wing and have a far deeper 12-man forward group with Pageau in the lineup. He’s already tied his career high with 19 goals this season, and he’s the sort of Energizer bunny-type Trotz would be happy to use on the penalty kill, as a matchup center or even in scoring situations.

Exec’s take: “There’s so much buzz around him and I get it, but you do have that worry in the back of your mind: He’s having a great year playing major minutes for a lousy team. Is he going to jump right into your lineup and have the same results playing more of a role? He’s not going to be cheap.”

Projected cost: Depending on the bidding war, a second-rounder plus a prospect should get this done — if there are first-round picks being bandied about that would make little sense for the Islanders (or anyone else, really). Would a second plus Bolduc get it done? Ottawa is deep on the left side among its high-end youth, with Thomas Chabot and Erik Brannstrom. That might mean an extra pick or a different prospect, and the Isles don’t have a lot to choose from there.

Tyler Toffoli, forward, Kings: A consistent point-every-other-game scorer over his seven-plus seasons in L.A., he’s also got consistently strong metrics and can play a heavier style that the Islanders prefer. The Kings are rumored to be in some front-office flux — a league source indicated there could be a GM change coming at season’s end, so that may change the view on some of the vets. But the Kings are in sell mode, it seems, and the Islanders need a productive winger to solidify their top nine.

Exec’s take: “I’ve heard there hasn’t been much talk there because the cost is still pretty high, but it sure seems like they’re going to move him. Should pick up after the break.”

Projected cost: Much like with Pageau, surrendering a first for a rental seems foolish for the Isles, given where they are and the state of their prospect pool. If one of the league heavyweights (St. Louis, Boston), or a team like the Avalanche, decides surrendering a late first is worth the risk, the Isles can’t really counter.

Craig Smith, forward, Predators: A better player than some might give him credit for, the 30-year-old Smith has a shot for a sixth 2o-goal season in nine with the Preds. He’s also a big guy who plays a heavy game, and Trotz was in Nashville when Smith was coming up through the system. Not much for a speed game but neither are the Islanders.

Exec’s take: “A guy who could be sneaky good for someone at the deadline.”

Projected cost: A second (and perhaps a third or fourth) likely gets this done. That may even be too much depending on the bidders. But if the Preds, who are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West, decide to trim some from around the edges of their core, Smith is someone the Islanders could use.

Conor Sheary, forward, Sabres: Not the style of player that Trotz loves — he prefers size to speed — but the 27-year-old wing is a decent producer despite being scratched a few times for the fading Sabres this season. He could fit in anywhere in the Isles’ top nine, and his speed and shot make him a cost-effective candidate worth a try alongside Mathew Barzal.

Exec’s take: “You hear that Buffalo is going to be buying and I guess that makes sense if the GM (Jason Botterill) is out if they don’t make the playoffs. But that’s not realistic given where they are. If you’re looking to change some things up, moving Sheary makes sense.”

Projected cost: A third-rounder sounds on target. He’s not a contributor there, so holding teams up for ransom doesn’t seem wise.

Tyler Ennis, forward, Senators: Another smallish (5-foot-9) guy like Sheary, but Ennis is a pro who’s been around the league and has a bit of jam to his game as well as a scoring touch. He was a center in his early days in Buffalo, but now he’s a winger who can contribute on the power play and isn’t shy about getting the puck or himself to the net.

Scout’s take: “When you look at the Islanders, the thing that maybe they’re missing is just bodies — pro players who can fill a role, guys like (Valtteri) Filppula last year. They’re not going to shake up the room because they like what they have. Someone like (Ennis) checks a few boxes for them.”

Projected cost: Ottawa is Ennis’ fourth team in four years, so a fourth-rounder sounds like a reasonable return.

Brenden Dillon, defenseman, Sharks: San Jose hasn’t been a seller for decades now, but they’re 11 points out at the break, which screams sell. Plus they have a block of unmovable contracts, so a pending UFA veteran like Dillon will draw some interest. He’s a lefty (the Isles only need on D) and a stay-at-home type, as well as one who can handle himself in the trenches. With him lining up on the left side with Nick Leddy and Devon Toews, Trotz gets back the even split of left/right and stay-at-home/offensive defensemen he prefers.

Scout’s take: “They’re playing with fire a bit in only having six D on the roster that they’re willing to use. You can’t stay healthy back there for very long, and they’ve already taken a big hit with (Adam) Pelech down. They might need two D at the deadline.”

Projected cost: There will be some competition here and Dillon is a defenseman — D are prized deadline commodities. A second and a third or fourth might have to be the cost if Lamoriello sets his sights here.

Ilya Kovalchuk, forward, Canadiens: Yes, the Isles could have had Lamoriello’s old pal for the league minimum just a few weeks ago, when the Kings terminated Kovalchuk’s contract. But the 36-year-old wing looks like a new man in Montreal, albeit with the pressure turned way down thanks to the Habs floating in lottery space. Could he help the Islanders? Maybe. It would require a big buy-in defensively from someone who hasn’t always embraced life without the puck.

Projected cost: Feels like a fourth is the right call, which would be a minor bit of trickery from Habs GM Marc Bergevin.

Melker Karlsson, forward, Sharks: One of the other salable assets on the sinking Sharks, the 29-year-old wing wouldn’t feel like a huge upgrade from Tom Kuhnhackl, who fits a similar profile. If Cal Clutterbuck’s timeline is still unknown — Trotz indicated Clutterbuck might get back on the ice by the end of the break, but who knows how long it would be from there until he can play — Karlsson has a decent fourth-line pedigree and could play there.

Projected cost: A fourth-rounder most likely.

Trevor Lewis, forward, Kings: He comes with the right pedigree, having played a nice supporting role in two Stanley Cup runs. At 33, he is what he is, a bottom-six wing with a strong motor and not much scoring skill. That feels like a duplicate effort for the Islanders, but he would certainly fit in well.

Projected cost: Another rental in the fourth-rounder range.

Erik Gustafsson, defenseman, Hawks: Feels weird that a defenseman coming off a 60-point season could be on the block; the Hawks’ recent surge might also put this one on the back burner until the summer, when the Isles wouldn’t have much need with Pelech healthy. But his name has been out there and he could help from the left side.

Projected cost: This one is tricky, given his eye-popping numbers. A second, perhaps?

Chris Kreider, forward, Rangers: He has to be on the list because he’ll be the top rental target if the Rangers commit to moving him and he’d be a perfect fit for the Isles, who would love to have his unique combination of speed/size/skill. The idea of the Rangers moving their best deadline chip to the Island for more futures is a little shaky, however.

Projected cost: Might be the only player on anyone’s trade board who’s more likely than not to command a first rounder back — maybe even a bit more than that. Far too rich for the Isles, especially with no hope of signing him long term.

Pending RFAs

Andreas Athanasiou, forward, Red Wings: Detroit would have players all over this board if it had much of anything worth selling. Athanasiou is having a lousy season along with everyone else on the Wings, but he’s still only 25 and has some amazing attributes. Midseason moves for pending RFAs aren’t simple, but he would provide a real spark for the Islanders.

Projected cost: Difficult to gauge unless Steve Yzerman is simply ready to get some assets back for whatever he can move out. A second at the very least, and more likely a second plus a prospect for someone the Isles would be intent on signing after a deal.

Kevin Labanc, forward, Sharks: A rare case of a talented young player who bet on himself and saw it backfire. Labanc avoided the RFA frenzy last summer and signed a one-year, $1 million deal; now he’s stuck on a team loaded with bad deals and not much help on the way. He’s a Staten Island kid who might not hate a change of scenery and a right-shot scorer, something the Isles need.

Projected cost: Given San Jose’s need to start gathering assets with a lot of veterans on the far end of their prime, the ask would certainly include a first. With three more years of cost control, that’s not out of line. Labanc is probably the only player on this list for whom it would make sense to move a first.


Players with term remaining

Tomas Tatar, forward, Canadiens: He’s had a year-plus of strong play in Montreal, but it’s been a few years since he was a key contributor on a good team. Would the offense-minded wing be able to adapt to Trotz’s system? He’s also got another year at a $4.8 million cap hit, so there are considerations beyond the next few months that factor in.

Projected cost: He’s not exactly a problem Montreal needs to get off its books — they’d need a solid offer to move him. A second and an intriguing prospect like Bolduc might do it, but that’s a big price for the Islanders to pay without being sure Tatar fits what they need.

Kyle Palmieri, forward, Devils: Currently hurt but perennially one of the best Devils since they scooped him up for a second and a third in 2015, he might be the most attractive deadline chip for a Devils team that needs to decide its new path soon. Palmieri was born on Long Island, though raised in Jersey, so it’s hard to imagine the Isles are on his eight-team no-trade list. He’s a right-shot forward who is equally good on the power play as at 5v5.

Projected cost: Depending on the bidders, it could be similar to what the Ducks got for Palmieri five years ago — a 2 and a 3, maybe with a lower-end prospect as well. He does still have another year at an eminently affordable $4.65 million cap hit, so a pair of second-rounders might be more accurate.

Ondrej Kase, forward, Ducks: Still only 24 and with another year at a $2.6 million cap hit (and an RFA after that), Kase doesn’t seem like the sort of player the floundering Ducks would move. But he reportedly hasn’t been a fit with Dallas Eakins and is on the block. Kase is the sort of young winger with real scoring potential (he had 20 in 2017-18) the Islanders don’t have enough of.

Projected cost: At least a second rounder.

Brandon Saad, forward, Hawks: Hard to believe he’s only 27 after all of his years in the league. He’s been coveted in a lot of front offices before, and if the Hawks feel like they have a realistic shot at the playoffs, he’s likely not going anywhere. But a youngish scoring winger with some decent wheels? Barzal says yes to that.

Projected cost: The Hawks don’t have much coming on D. Would a second plus Wilde get this done? Depends on how Chicago views Wilde, of course. Saad has another year at a $6 million AAV, which could be prohibitive for the Isles with contracts coming for Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

Alec Martinez, defenseman, Kings: He’s 32 and just coming back from missing six weeks due to a skate cut, but he’s another sturdy, veteran D the Isles could use. He can also play the left and right sides, which helps going forward as he has another year at a $4 million cap hit. It’d be a big play that would throw the 2020-21 D corps into flux, but Martinez could thrive in the Isles’ system.

Projected cost: The Kings have plenty of futures already, so this deal might require a forward off the Isles roster — something that doesn’t really sound feasible given the team needs. Would a second, Dal Colle and a prospect make this one happen? Is Dal Colle still enough of a draw to push a deal over the top?

Nick Bonino, center, Predators: He’s an ideal No. 3 center, even at 31. He’s got a ring with the 2016 Penguins and amazingly is tied for second on the Preds this season with 14 goals. He would provide both a nice fit with the defense-first Isles and some scoring touch, especially in the postseason. And a year left at an affordable $4.1 million cap hit wouldn’t likely mess with the Isles’ internal contract situations this coming offseason.

Projected cost: Wouldn’t be terribly high, even for someone with term left. A second-rounder and a third or fourth likely does it, but the Predators may want to keep a reliable guy like Bonino around to smooth John Hynes’ transition into his first full year next fall.

Travis Zajac, forward, Devils: Zajac is a Lamoriello favorite even if his best years are behind him. He’d be an intriguing option as a No. 3 center but the year he has left at a decently sized $5.75 million cap hit means if he’s an option before Feb. 24, there’d have to be some salary retained to make it even remotely worthwhile. Zajac did have 19 goals last season, and the intangibles Lamoriello and Trotz speak of are evident with him.

Scout’s take: “Again, you look at guys who fit what the Isles want to do and guys that Lou feels comfortable with. Zajac fills both spots there. Also not going to rock the boat on a new team, especially one with Lou in charge.”

Projected cost: Zajac would have to waive his no-trade clause to approve a deal, so the market can’t be extensive. It would require a third-rounder at most, provided the Devils keep some of the cap hit.
- eichiefs9

Thanks chief! So we are in for another exciting trade deadline? Isles are in a very tough spot trying to win now with the lack of prospect depth.

I'm interested in you Zajac'ing me off
- eichiefs9

Thanks chief! So we are in for another exciting trade deadline?
- ses111

Who knows. Things feel different from last season but then again I've felt that way for the last 10 years so who the (frank) knows what's gonna happen.

Kase and Labanc are my two favorite names that could be out there. They're both young and cost-controlled for a little while longer. Those are guys worth giving up assets for. That's fixing issues in the short AND long term

Pageau is probably the best fit for right now, in my opinion, but will also be pretty highly coveted and probably expensive. I'd love to re-sign him if he doesn't want to go back to Ottawa

Bonino is probably a good fit as well and would be reasonably-priced @ $4.1M for next season

Lots of skill and even more speed in Athanasiou, who I'd love to see zipping around the ice with Barzal, but I don't think he's going to fit particularly well with Trotz.

I think Craig Smith would be a good addition. Familiarity with Trotz and he's a solid third liner than can score

Sheary/Ennis would be fine depth/13th fwd types for a minimal cost

I like the idea of adding Andy Greene as a rental, that's a good vet to have around. Not willing to pay much for him and he has a NTC so that's a hurdle they'd need to clear, but at least he wouldn't be far from his family in NJ

Palmieri would be a great fit as well and check a big "goal scoring" box

Who knows. Things feel different from last season but then again I've felt that way for the last 10 years so who the (frank) knows what's gonna happen.

Kase and Labanc are my two favorite names that could be out there. They're both young and cost-controlled for a little while longer. Those are guys worth giving up assets for. That's fixing issues in the short AND long term

Pageau is probably the best fit for right now, in my opinion, but will also be pretty highly coveted and probably expensive. I'd love to re-sign him if he doesn't want to go back to Ottawa

Bonino is probably a good fit as well and would be reasonably-priced @ $4.1M for next season

Lots of skill and even more speed in Athanasiou, who I'd love to see zipping around the ice with Barzal, but I don't think he's going to fit particularly well with Trotz.

I think Craig Smith would be a good addition. Familiarity with Trotz and he's a solid third liner than can score

Sheary/Ennis would be fine depth/13th fwd types for a minimal cost

I like the idea of adding Andy Greene as a rental, that's a good vet to have around. Not willing to pay much for him and he has a NTC so that's a hurdle they'd need to clear, but at least he wouldn't be far from his family in NJ

Palmieri would be a great fit as well and check a big "goal scoring" box
- eichiefs9

I have no doubt Lou wants to deal. I did not have the same feeling with Garth. I think Garth left Lou in a bad spot in terms of depth. A combo of lack of depth and not being able to sign top FA's makes things very difficult.

Staple's trade board article he just released, for debate argument:

Islanders trade board: What scouts and executives are saying about their options at the deadline


By Arthur Staple 11m ago


The Islanders’ All-Star/CBA break has arrived. That means we’ve got time and space to devote to the Trade Board, which last season around this time produced nearly two dozen viable options … and zero trades.

Well, the Islanders are back in a pretty decent playoff position, despite a mediocre run through December and January. They are a veteran team with a few long-term deals in their early stages. They have Lou Lamoriello, a man not known for trying to stage a patient, slow build, and they have Barry Trotz, who could be the first coach in 30 years to win back-to-back Jack Adams awards.

All that, plus insight from three league executives and two pro scouts, leads us to believe the Islanders are looking to buy with the trade deadline 32 days away. Of course, they were looking to buy last season at the deadline and nothing happened, so this list is not some sort of cheat sheet — just players who may be available and fit what the Islanders are likely seeking.

Assets are still a problem for the Islanders. As one executive noted to The Athletic in discussing the Isles’ trade options: “It seems like they’re trying to be aggressive, but outside of (Noah) Dobson, there’s no one in the system that really jumps out at you.”

Dobson isn’t going to be moved. Neither is Ilya Sorokin, who doesn’t have much trade value at this point with zero NHL games (along with zero NHL contracts). Oliver Wahlstrom, Simon Holmstrom and Bode Wilde could turn out to be A-level prospects, but all three weren’t universally loved in their draft years and have hit some bumps in the developmental road since they were drafted.

The real problem for the Islanders is the lack of attractive pieces from prior drafts. Michael Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang and Kieffer Bellows have all dropped in standing from their draft years, thinning the group of high picks that most other teams would covet. Perhaps the most intriguing options in potential trades are recent mid-round picks, like defensemen Robin Salo (46th overall, 2017) and Samuel Bolduc (57th, 2019) and forward Ruslan Iskhakov (43rd, 2018).

It seems unlikely that Lamoriello would part with his 2020 first-round pick for two reasons: 1) There isn’t a player known on the market worth sacrificing that pick for, and 2) the Islanders are just three points from the wrong side of the wild-card chase, so gambling a potential lottery pick is a huge risk.

So, armed with all that cheery news, here’s a list of 21 potential Islanders trade targets, aided by comments from league executives and scouts who have seen the Islanders and Sound Tigers numerous times this season.

Rentals (veterans on expiring contracts)

Andy Greene, defenseman, Devils: It may seem strange to list a 37-year-old defenseman who’s currently a captain somewhere else at the top of this list. But if Greene, whom Lamoriello signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006, is willing to waive his no-trade clause after 914 games in Jersey, the Islanders make a lot of sense. He still plays 20 minutes a night and could provide some depth and stability on the left side for an Isles D corps that is going with 5 1/2 men every night as Trotz tries to keep Dobson as sheltered as possible.

Scout’s take: “This one feels like a no-brainer to me. They need a D and this is a guy Lou knows well, he’s a pro and he can fit into what they want to do.”

Projected cost: Hard to imagine there’s much of a market for a guy of his age who also has a no-trade. If it’s more than a third-round pick, that would seem to be too high.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, center, Senators: The 27-year-old would be the ideal No. 3 center for the Islanders, who could move Derick Brassard to the wing and have a far deeper 12-man forward group with Pageau in the lineup. He’s already tied his career high with 19 goals this season, and he’s the sort of Energizer bunny-type Trotz would be happy to use on the penalty kill, as a matchup center or even in scoring situations.

Exec’s take: “There’s so much buzz around him and I get it, but you do have that worry in the back of your mind: He’s having a great year playing major minutes for a lousy team. Is he going to jump right into your lineup and have the same results playing more of a role? He’s not going to be cheap.”

Projected cost: Depending on the bidding war, a second-rounder plus a prospect should get this done — if there are first-round picks being bandied about that would make little sense for the Islanders (or anyone else, really). Would a second plus Bolduc get it done? Ottawa is deep on the left side among its high-end youth, with Thomas Chabot and Erik Brannstrom. That might mean an extra pick or a different prospect, and the Isles don’t have a lot to choose from there.

Tyler Toffoli, forward, Kings: A consistent point-every-other-game scorer over his seven-plus seasons in L.A., he’s also got consistently strong metrics and can play a heavier style that the Islanders prefer. The Kings are rumored to be in some front-office flux — a league source indicated there could be a GM change coming at season’s end, so that may change the view on some of the vets. But the Kings are in sell mode, it seems, and the Islanders need a productive winger to solidify their top nine.

Exec’s take: “I’ve heard there hasn’t been much talk there because the cost is still pretty high, but it sure seems like they’re going to move him. Should pick up after the break.”

Projected cost: Much like with Pageau, surrendering a first for a rental seems foolish for the Isles, given where they are and the state of their prospect pool. If one of the league heavyweights (St. Louis, Boston), or a team like the Avalanche, decides surrendering a late first is worth the risk, the Isles can’t really counter.

Craig Smith, forward, Predators: A better player than some might give him credit for, the 30-year-old Smith has a shot for a sixth 2o-goal season in nine with the Preds. He’s also a big guy who plays a heavy game, and Trotz was in Nashville when Smith was coming up through the system. Not much for a speed game but neither are the Islanders.

Exec’s take: “A guy who could be sneaky good for someone at the deadline.”

Projected cost: A second (and perhaps a third or fourth) likely gets this done. That may even be too much depending on the bidders. But if the Preds, who are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West, decide to trim some from around the edges of their core, Smith is someone the Islanders could use.

Conor Sheary, forward, Sabres: Not the style of player that Trotz loves — he prefers size to speed — but the 27-year-old wing is a decent producer despite being scratched a few times for the fading Sabres this season. He could fit in anywhere in the Isles’ top nine, and his speed and shot make him a cost-effective candidate worth a try alongside Mathew Barzal.

Exec’s take: “You hear that Buffalo is going to be buying and I guess that makes sense if the GM (Jason Botterill) is out if they don’t make the playoffs. But that’s not realistic given where they are. If you’re looking to change some things up, moving Sheary makes sense.”

Projected cost: A third-rounder sounds on target. He’s not a contributor there, so holding teams up for ransom doesn’t seem wise.

Tyler Ennis, forward, Senators: Another smallish (5-foot-9) guy like Sheary, but Ennis is a pro who’s been around the league and has a bit of jam to his game as well as a scoring touch. He was a center in his early days in Buffalo, but now he’s a winger who can contribute on the power play and isn’t shy about getting the puck or himself to the net.

Scout’s take: “When you look at the Islanders, the thing that maybe they’re missing is just bodies — pro players who can fill a role, guys like (Valtteri) Filppula last year. They’re not going to shake up the room because they like what they have. Someone like (Ennis) checks a few boxes for them.”

Projected cost: Ottawa is Ennis’ fourth team in four years, so a fourth-rounder sounds like a reasonable return.

Brenden Dillon, defenseman, Sharks: San Jose hasn’t been a seller for decades now, but they’re 11 points out at the break, which screams sell. Plus they have a block of unmovable contracts, so a pending UFA veteran like Dillon will draw some interest. He’s a lefty (the Isles only need on D) and a stay-at-home type, as well as one who can handle himself in the trenches. With him lining up on the left side with Nick Leddy and Devon Toews, Trotz gets back the even split of left/right and stay-at-home/offensive defensemen he prefers.

Scout’s take: “They’re playing with fire a bit in only having six D on the roster that they’re willing to use. You can’t stay healthy back there for very long, and they’ve already taken a big hit with (Adam) Pelech down. They might need two D at the deadline.”

Projected cost: There will be some competition here and Dillon is a defenseman — D are prized deadline commodities. A second and a third or fourth might have to be the cost if Lamoriello sets his sights here.

Ilya Kovalchuk, forward, Canadiens: Yes, the Isles could have had Lamoriello’s old pal for the league minimum just a few weeks ago, when the Kings terminated Kovalchuk’s contract. But the 36-year-old wing looks like a new man in Montreal, albeit with the pressure turned way down thanks to the Habs floating in lottery space. Could he help the Islanders? Maybe. It would require a big buy-in defensively from someone who hasn’t always embraced life without the puck.

Projected cost: Feels like a fourth is the right call, which would be a minor bit of trickery from Habs GM Marc Bergevin.

Melker Karlsson, forward, Sharks: One of the other salable assets on the sinking Sharks, the 29-year-old wing wouldn’t feel like a huge upgrade from Tom Kuhnhackl, who fits a similar profile. If Cal Clutterbuck’s timeline is still unknown — Trotz indicated Clutterbuck might get back on the ice by the end of the break, but who knows how long it would be from there until he can play — Karlsson has a decent fourth-line pedigree and could play there.

Projected cost: A fourth-rounder most likely.

Trevor Lewis, forward, Kings: He comes with the right pedigree, having played a nice supporting role in two Stanley Cup runs. At 33, he is what he is, a bottom-six wing with a strong motor and not much scoring skill. That feels like a duplicate effort for the Islanders, but he would certainly fit in well.

Projected cost: Another rental in the fourth-rounder range.

Erik Gustafsson, defenseman, Hawks: Feels weird that a defenseman coming off a 60-point season could be on the block; the Hawks’ recent surge might also put this one on the back burner until the summer, when the Isles wouldn’t have much need with Pelech healthy. But his name has been out there and he could help from the left side.

Projected cost: This one is tricky, given his eye-popping numbers. A second, perhaps?

Chris Kreider, forward, Rangers: He has to be on the list because he’ll be the top rental target if the Rangers commit to moving him and he’d be a perfect fit for the Isles, who would love to have his unique combination of speed/size/skill. The idea of the Rangers moving their best deadline chip to the Island for more futures is a little shaky, however.

Projected cost: Might be the only player on anyone’s trade board who’s more likely than not to command a first rounder back — maybe even a bit more than that. Far too rich for the Isles, especially with no hope of signing him long term.

Pending RFAs

Andreas Athanasiou, forward, Red Wings: Detroit would have players all over this board if it had much of anything worth selling. Athanasiou is having a lousy season along with everyone else on the Wings, but he’s still only 25 and has some amazing attributes. Midseason moves for pending RFAs aren’t simple, but he would provide a real spark for the Islanders.

Projected cost: Difficult to gauge unless Steve Yzerman is simply ready to get some assets back for whatever he can move out. A second at the very least, and more likely a second plus a prospect for someone the Isles would be intent on signing after a deal.

Kevin Labanc, forward, Sharks: A rare case of a talented young player who bet on himself and saw it backfire. Labanc avoided the RFA frenzy last summer and signed a one-year, $1 million deal; now he’s stuck on a team loaded with bad deals and not much help on the way. He’s a Staten Island kid who might not hate a change of scenery and a right-shot scorer, something the Isles need.

Projected cost: Given San Jose’s need to start gathering assets with a lot of veterans on the far end of their prime, the ask would certainly include a first. With three more years of cost control, that’s not out of line. Labanc is probably the only player on this list for whom it would make sense to move a first.


Players with term remaining

Tomas Tatar, forward, Canadiens: He’s had a year-plus of strong play in Montreal, but it’s been a few years since he was a key contributor on a good team. Would the offense-minded wing be able to adapt to Trotz’s system? He’s also got another year at a $4.8 million cap hit, so there are considerations beyond the next few months that factor in.

Projected cost: He’s not exactly a problem Montreal needs to get off its books — they’d need a solid offer to move him. A second and an intriguing prospect like Bolduc might do it, but that’s a big price for the Islanders to pay without being sure Tatar fits what they need.

Kyle Palmieri, forward, Devils: Currently hurt but perennially one of the best Devils since they scooped him up for a second and a third in 2015, he might be the most attractive deadline chip for a Devils team that needs to decide its new path soon. Palmieri was born on Long Island, though raised in Jersey, so it’s hard to imagine the Isles are on his eight-team no-trade list. He’s a right-shot forward who is equally good on the power play as at 5v5.

Projected cost: Depending on the bidders, it could be similar to what the Ducks got for Palmieri five years ago — a 2 and a 3, maybe with a lower-end prospect as well. He does still have another year at an eminently affordable $4.65 million cap hit, so a pair of second-rounders might be more accurate.

Ondrej Kase, forward, Ducks: Still only 24 and with another year at a $2.6 million cap hit (and an RFA after that), Kase doesn’t seem like the sort of player the floundering Ducks would move. But he reportedly hasn’t been a fit with Dallas Eakins and is on the block. Kase is the sort of young winger with real scoring potential (he had 20 in 2017-18) the Islanders don’t have enough of.

Projected cost: At least a second rounder.

Brandon Saad, forward, Hawks: Hard to believe he’s only 27 after all of his years in the league. He’s been coveted in a lot of front offices before, and if the Hawks feel like they have a realistic shot at the playoffs, he’s likely not going anywhere. But a youngish scoring winger with some decent wheels? Barzal says yes to that.

Projected cost: The Hawks don’t have much coming on D. Would a second plus Wilde get this done? Depends on how Chicago views Wilde, of course. Saad has another year at a $6 million AAV, which could be prohibitive for the Isles with contracts coming for Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

Alec Martinez, defenseman, Kings: He’s 32 and just coming back from missing six weeks due to a skate cut, but he’s another sturdy, veteran D the Isles could use. He can also play the left and right sides, which helps going forward as he has another year at a $4 million cap hit. It’d be a big play that would throw the 2020-21 D corps into flux, but Martinez could thrive in the Isles’ system.

Projected cost: The Kings have plenty of futures already, so this deal might require a forward off the Isles roster — something that doesn’t really sound feasible given the team needs. Would a second, Dal Colle and a prospect make this one happen? Is Dal Colle still enough of a draw to push a deal over the top?

Nick Bonino, center, Predators: He’s an ideal No. 3 center, even at 31. He’s got a ring with the 2016 Penguins and amazingly is tied for second on the Preds this season with 14 goals. He would provide both a nice fit with the defense-first Isles and some scoring touch, especially in the postseason. And a year left at an affordable $4.1 million cap hit wouldn’t likely mess with the Isles’ internal contract situations this coming offseason.

Projected cost: Wouldn’t be terribly high, even for someone with term left. A second-rounder and a third or fourth likely does it, but the Predators may want to keep a reliable guy like Bonino around to smooth John Hynes’ transition into his first full year next fall.

Travis Zajac, forward, Devils: Zajac is a Lamoriello favorite even if his best years are behind him. He’d be an intriguing option as a No. 3 center but the year he has left at a decently sized $5.75 million cap hit means if he’s an option before Feb. 24, there’d have to be some salary retained to make it even remotely worthwhile. Zajac did have 19 goals last season, and the intangibles Lamoriello and Trotz speak of are evident with him.

Scout’s take: “Again, you look at guys who fit what the Isles want to do and guys that Lou feels comfortable with. Zajac fills both spots there. Also not going to rock the boat on a new team, especially one with Lou in charge.”

Projected cost: Zajac would have to waive his no-trade clause to approve a deal, so the market can’t be extensive. It would require a third-rounder at most, provided the Devils keep some of the cap hit.
- eichiefs9

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- nyisles7