NHL Rumors: New York Islanders Linked to Big-Name Forward

The New York Islanders need to add more scoring to their lineup if they hope to make a real playoff push next season. As a result, there are reports that they are looking at Vladimir Tarasenko as a free-agent target.

Tarasenko split this past season between the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, where he had 18 goals and 50 points in 69 games. Overall, it was another solid year for the 31-year-old, and the Islanders could use that production in their top six right now.

The Rangers are not expected to bring back Tarasenko, so this would be a prime opportunity for the Islanders to steal him from their biggest rival. On paper, there is a great match here, as Tarasenko would work beautifully on their first line and power play. However, the Islanders will also need to move out a contract like Josh Bailey's to help make this come to fruition.

We will need to wait and see if the Islanders can sign the veteran forward from here.

photo credit:  Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports