Florida Panthers & New York Islanders Talking Trade

The New York Islanders and the Florida Panthers are believed to be finalizing a one for one player trade. There are vast pros and cons for the both teams, but the for the players, not so much. Both teams are performing well in the standings, but one man has to play on Long Island and another gets to soak up the sun in Sunrise, Florida.

The Islanders are expected to trade Leo Komarov to the Panthers in exchange for Brett Connolly. Connolly was placed on waivers last month, but his $3.5 million cap hit likely prevented him from being picked up. He has averaged twenty goals per season over the past two years, but he has just 3 points in 16 games played this season. He is at the prime age of 28 years old and the Islanders believe they help him find his game again.

The Panthers will receive Leo Komarov who was also on waivers last month. He carries a cap hit of $3 million, but he is 34 years old. His contract is set to expire at the end of next season, but he still plays a hard-nosed style of hockey. He adds some physicality to a skilled Panthers roster who may count on him during the playoffs.

David Pagnotta has thoroughly discussed this rumour on The Fourth Period. The difference in salary cap doesn't appear to be much, but the Islanders are in a tough spot. It's believed the Panthers will need to retain a portion of Connelly's salary, especially given the longer duration of the term. Additionally, the cash owed to players may be a factor in this trade given the financial instability caused by the pandemic. Connolly is still owed $7 million on his current contract while Komarov is owed just $2 million. How this difference in payout will be overcome is unclear, but the teams are still willing to negotiate a deal.