New York Islanders Forced To Make Moves To Become Cap Compliant

The New York Islanders currently face a salary cap challenge, finding themselves slightly over the limit by about $500,000.

However, they have an array of strategies at their disposal to achieve cap compliance prior to the season's start.

One option involves sending players like Karlson Kuhlman, with a $775,000 salary, to the minor leagues, though this risks them being claimed by other teams via waivers.

Well deserved goal for Boston. Karlson Kuhlman has scored and the game is tied again. 1-1. Not good play by Sanheim. We hate when defensemen do this. Stay before your goalie and try block instead to be near your player and defend him. Just trust your goalie more. pic.twitter.com/5QOavoCvkl

— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) October 21, 2021

To mitigate this, Brian Pinho could serve as an insurance option despite his lack of NHL experience.

A shorthanded goal from Brian Pinho extends @TheHersheyBears lead to 3️⃣ goals. pic.twitter.com/pEyh8EbAp1

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 20, 2022

Julien Gauthier, with a $787,500 cap hit, could be placed on waivers, and if he clears, sent to the minors to address the cap issue.

Julien Gauthier, WHAT AN EFFORT! Unbelievable goal from Gauthier, 5-3 Rangers just like that!#NYR pic.twitter.com/rRz5nDWKD0

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 29, 2022

Alternatively, the Islanders might consider reassigning Ross Johnston, whose salary is $1.1 million, to the minor leagues, instantly rectifying their cap dilemma.

Ross Johnston Goal Alert! pic.twitter.com/dfcBxDphsd

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) October 7, 2022

However, they'd face placing him on waivers if a Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) candidate isn't identified.

Moreover, the Islanders could explore trade opportunities to swap players with higher salaries for those with lower ones or future assets, thereby addressing the cap issue while potentially enhancing their roster's composition.

In the end, the Islanders' decision will balance cap compliance with the risk of waivers and long-term roster goals.

They must strategically evaluate options, consider insurance measures, and stay adaptable as the dynamic NHL landscape unfolds. Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports