3 New York Islanders' trade candidates ahead of March's deadline

The New York Islanders have lost three games in a row, they're 14-18-7 on the year, and a long way out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. It appears, GM Lou Lamoriello will be open to making several trades ahead of the March 7 deadline, as it's time for the Islanders to re-tool their roster.

Here's three trade candidates to keep an eye on ahead of the trade deadline, roughly two months away:

Brock Nelson

Nelson is in a huge scoring slump right now, but even so, he's shown throughout his career he can put up points in a hurry. Nelson's a pending UFA, he's owed $6 million this season, and holds a 16-team no-trade list. So far this season, Nelson's scored 10 goals and 21 points in 39 games, however, is coming off three straight 30+ goal seasons. Expect to see the Islanders try to land at least a second-round pick and top prospect for Nelson, with some teams potentially forking up a first-rounder. Could the Minnesota Wild make sense?

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Pageau's in-your-face style will appeal to several playoff-bound teams, and so too will the fact he's signed through next season, and it's a rental. Pageau's signed for $5 million AAV through 2025-26, and owns a 16-team no-trade list of his own. The 32-year-old versatile forward can play all over the lineup, and in many different roles, so his flexibility will be something Lamoriello could try to sell. Pageau's recorded nine goals and 19 points in 37 games this season, averaging over 17 minutes a game, including on both sides of special teams.

Kyle Palmieri

Palmieri is in the same boat as Nelson, a veteran forward, who is a pending UFA. The 33-year-old winger is owed $5 million this season, and wouldn't you know, owns a 16-team no-trade clause. Lamoriello loves handing those out it seems. Palmieri's recorded 12 goals and 26 points in 39 games, and has proven year after year he's a top-six winger who can help out offensively. Could the New Jersey Devils make a pitch before March 7? 

Photo credit:  James Guillory-Imagn Images