NHL Rumors: 2 New York Islanders Trade Candidates

Flat out, the New York Islanders swung and missed this summer. General manager Lou Lamoriello tried hard to sign free agents Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri, and came up empty handed. Now the team turns its attention to the 2022-23 campaign, with basically the same roster as last season. Expect some changes on Long Island this season, here's two prime trade candidates:

Semyon Varlamov

The 34-year-old Varlamov is entering the final season of his contract and is very unlikely to finish the season on Long Island. The team is comfortable moving forward with Ilya Sorokin and will likely flip Varlamov before the trade deadline. He's set to make $5 million against the cap in 2022-23, and holds a no-trade clause that protects him from 16 teams. Last season Varlamov recorded a 2.91 GAA and a .911 SV.%. The Islanders are likely going to flip Varlamov for some help up front as the team is desperate for more offense.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Pageau turns 30 shortly into the 2022-23 season and has become a prime trade candidate out of Long Island. He's coming off a 39-point season and speculation was brewing earlier on this summer that Lamoriello was engaged in trade discussions with other teams. Pageau is best suited for a third-line checking center role and carries a cap hit of $5 million through the 2025-26 season. 

Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

He holds no-trade protection against 16 teams, something that changed from a full no-movement clause the last couple of years. Don't expect Pageau to finish the season with the Islanders, at this point it's very likely he's moved before the trade deadline.

Photo credit:  Thomas Salus-USA TODAY Sports