NHL Rumors: 2 New York Islanders Trade Targets

While the New York Islanders currently sit at the .500 mark on the season, it's been a struggle this season to find any consistency on Long Island. The team sits 19 points out of a playoff spot and now turns their attention to the trade deadline and cashing in as sellers. Let's examine a couple of Islanders who are likely being dealt before the March 21 deadline:

Scott Mayfield, RHD

Not the hottest name on the market but definitely someone who interests several teams, Mayfield is a towering right-handed defenseman who loves to play a physical style. The 29-year-old is signed through next season and at a very reasonable cap hit of $1.45 million per season. A former second-round pick, Mayfield has recorded 16 points in 57 and is on pace for a career high in production. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers have been linked to a Mayfield deal, as general manager Lou Lamoriello will drive a hard bargain.

Trotz on Scott Mayfield:

"I think he’s one of the top penalty killers in the whole league. He’s grown in importance and leadership. He’s more of a stay-at-home, physical, hard defender with length. He’s really grown from where I originally saw him.” #Isles https://t.co/lOIvBQKQKl
— 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱 (@IslesFix) March 9, 2022

Zdeno Chara, LHD

The towering Chara is still getting the job done at 45 years old and while he's not the player he used to be, those things happen with age, he's still an effective weapon for the bottom-pair of any defense. Chara is on a league minimum contract and is a pending free agent and will likely cost any team a mid-round draft pick and mid-level prospect to acquire. The Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames have all kicked tires on a deal and it's expected we see Chara moved before Monday. So far in 48 games he's recorded nine points in 73 penalty minutes. Still one of the most feared players in the league, adding Chara for a playoff run is never a bad weapon to have in your back pocket.

Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports