New York Islanders Rumors: Ross Johnston to Be Shopped

The New York Islanders could make a move before the start of the season, as The Athletic's Kevin Kurz wrote that he believes that the club will try to move Ross Johnston before or during training camp.

Johnston has been the odd man out of the Islanders' bottom six, and that carried over to this past season as well. The 29-year-old winger only played in 16 games for the Isles in 2022-23, where he posted two assists, 34 hits, and 37 penalty minutes. The Islanders have their fourth line locked for next season, too, as Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, and Cal Clutterbuck are all still under contract. Thus, it makes sense that they are considering moving Johnston.

Teams looking to add more toughness could consider taking a flyer on Johnston. He is an old-fashioned enforcer who would be able to protect a team's top stars.

Johnston carries a $1.1 million cap hit until the completion of the 2025-26 season. As a result, he would be far more than just a rental if another team added him.

We will need to wait and see if he gets moved before the start of the year from here.