3 Players Islanders Could Trade Next

The New York Islanders just snuck into the playoffs last season, but didn't do any damage. They have so many of the pieces in place for a number of years. but their team is a bit old. There are some contracts they need to shed, so who is going to be traded next by the team?

J.G. Pageau

J.G. Pageau is overpaid for the role he plays on the Islanders now. He plays no higher than the third line, and although he is strong defensively, he is a contract that the team can afford to move. While he is a strong two-way forward, the team plays a great two-way game as well, so someone can more easily slide into his role for cheaper. He has three years left at $5 million AAV and he will usually max out at around 40 points. Some team would definitely show interest if the team is going to try to move him.

Ross Johnston

The Islanders have a very veteran team, and they need room for some of their younger up-and-comers. This includes Simon Holmstrom, who got into only 50 games in the NHL and 16 in the AHL. The bottom-six of the Islanders, particularly the fourth line, is filled with old players that once formed a very solid line. That time has passed, and although Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, and Matt Martin could all go, two of them have just one year left. My choice to move from the bottom of the lineup is Ross Johnston, who is sometimes mixed in on that fourth line, but only got 16 games in for them. He's signed at $1.1 million AAV for three more seasons. It doesn't make sense for him to be paid that much and take up a roster spot to rarely get in any games.

Kyle Palmieri

The Islanders are in a similar position with Kyle Palmieri as they are with Pageau. Although Palmieri plays high up in the lineup, he too is older and paid $5 million AAV. He's more productive offensively, but also can't go a season without missing at least a handful of games due to injury. He only has two years left, so a little easier to move, but he is standing in Oliver Wahlstrom and Simon Holmstrom's way at playing more impactful minutes.