NHLTR Mock Trade: New York Islanders trade Josh Bailey to the Chicago Blackhawks

Welcome to NHLTR mock trade series where we will showcase a potential 2023 offseason trade. From minor moves to major transactions, everything will be covered as we try to predict how the chips may fall this summer across the NHL.

For today's piece we head to Long Islanders to check in on the New York Islanders and their cap situation. The team has some holes up front and on defense they'd like to fill this offseason, but unfortunately they only have just over $4 million to work with in cap space. They also need to sign a backup goalie and basically have their hands tied at this point. This trade will help.

NHLTR Mock Trade: Isles trade Josh Bailey and a 2023 fourth-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2023

The Blackhawks have already taken advantage of the Boston Bruins by acquiring both Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno and now they need to turn their attention to the Islanders. Bailey is in the final season of his contract, making $5 million against the cap. He's a veteran playmaking forward who is starting to decline production wise. 

Last season Bailey recorded 25 points in 64 games and does not have any trade protection on his contract. He can be moved at will and this is the type of salary dump the Islanders need to pull off so they can upgrade their roster appropriately this offseason.

As for the Blackhawks, they will draft Connor Bedard tonight in Nashville, and also hold Tampa Bay's first-round pick, along with four second rounders in what's considered a very deep draft. While adding Hall and Foligno doesn't scream rebuild, the team is trying to retool around Bedard and fast track things as much as possible without disrupting development. Adding another pick for Bailey should be considered as they could also flip the veteran forward before the trade deadline for more assets.

Photo credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports