This post was originally published on this site.
The New York Islanders are in a weird spot. The blue and orange are currently the eighth-best team in the NHL, but are in the midst of a retool. When the team lost Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov for the season, its depth was tested, and so far has succeeded.
The Islanders have had the “too many players that should be playing problem,” which is a good problem to have, except that the Islanders should make a few moves.
The first move seems obvious, and that’s trading Maxim Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov has been a healthy scratch for most of the season and hasn’t been noticeable when he’s been in the lineup.
Tsyplakov has one goal and no assists in 21 games so far this season. It has been a tough year for him, especially not being in the lineup consistently.
Teams could be interested because of his impressive rookie season, but it seems that his time on Long Island is dwindling.
The other move I’d expect to eventually make is trading Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Pageau has had a solid season, garnering six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 31 games so far this season.
Pageau has garnered a ton of interest at the previous deadlines, and it’s expected that he will gain interest at this year’s trade deadline. With the emergence of Calum Ritchie, it makes sense to move on from Pageau at some point this season. He’s also a player who could bring back a large return.
Depending on the return, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Islanders traded some assets for a forward. I don’t believe they would trade a first-round pick, but I could see them being active, especially with how the team is performing.