NHL Rumors: Islanders Open To Moving First Round Pick

The New York Islanders clearly aren't standing pat after a disappointing season. The shocking firing of coach Barry Trotz highlights the team's urgency to do something now to get back into contending status. There are now rumors that the team might be willing to move their first-round pick (13th overall) in order to get some more immediate help for the NHL roster. 

As noted by Stefen Rosner of NYI Hockey Now, this isn't a particularly deep draft, and GM Lou Lamoriello might be open to moving his pick in order to get a proven top line NHLer. 

"The New York Islanders do not need to keep the no. 13th overall pick," writes Rosner. "Lamoriello had spoken about making hockey trades this offseason, and this draft class is not particularly a deep one. Moving up in the draft would have helped the Islanders favor in terms of value, but this pick could still be a piece to a puzzle, whether it is acquiring a top-four defenseman or a top-six forward."

Currently, the No. 13 pick is projected to possibly land the Isles Cutter Gauthier of the United States National Development Team, according to draft expert Marco D'Amico. The 18-year-old has size and skill, but Lamoriello might not have the patience to wait for more development. 

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