NHL Rumors: Islanders Targeting Blues Sniper

The New York Islanders are slipping out of the playoff race as they have lost six in a row and 10 of 11 games. During that stretch, they have scored just 18 goals. The need for scoring on the team can't be emphasized enough.

General manager Lou Lamoriello has spent most of the team's cap space and brought in almost exclusively veterans. As the team ages fast, there aren't many players who contribute offensively. Without Barry Trotz, the team hasn't been as capable at keeping the puck out of the net despite the amazing play by Ilya Sorokin.

Jeff Marek reported that the Islanders have contacted the St. Louis Blues about Vladimir Tarasenko as he is to be on the move before the trade deadline this season. The Blues have also fallen out of the race, but have never really been in good position all season anyways. Tarasenko will be one of, if not, the most valuable asset the team has to move this season.

The 31-year-old winger is in the last year of his deal with a cap hit of $7.5 million. The Islanders won't be able to take on all of that contract and it will likely turn into a player-for-player trade if Tarasenko is traded to the Islanders. The Blues aren't ready to rebuild, not with brand new long-term contracts given to two of their young stars. Tarasenko hasn't had the most productive season compared to what he and the team did in 2021-22, but he does have 10 goals and 29 points in 35 games.

This move could not only be a short-term solution for them to attempt to get back into a playoff spot, but also a way to move out some cap space for the coming years.