Report: Trades Coming as "Something Has to Give" On Overcrowded Islanders Blueline

The stunning word emerged on Friday that the New York Islanders are listening to trade offers on young defenseman Noah Dobson. But there could be more turmoil coming to the Isles' blueline as well, as noted by Ethan Sears in the New York Post.

There's an impending logjam coming for the defense, specifically on the right side, due to the trio of recent additions, Tony DeAngelo, Adam Boqvist (both right-shot) and Scott Perunovich (left-shot).

Regulars Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield are all injured, and there is no telling if the first two will be back fully before the March 7th trade deadline. This, says Sears, is "going to force some uncomfortable questions at some point."

If and when all three get back, well, there are only 23 roster spots. Something has to give... A choice will need to be made soon.

And in particular, he notes, some potential moves could blow up team morale.

Moving either Pulock or Mayfield — two career Islanders, both under long-term contracts with full no-trade clauses — would drop a bomb into the dressing room.

The thing is, the team is winning—securing a W in 8 of their last 10 games heading into Saturday's play. And head coach Patrick Roy has to admit he likes the play of the new guys.

“They’re just moving the puck very well,” Roy said before Friday night’s match against the Jets. “They break out. They’re skilled guys. They just move the puck out. They join the rush well. [They are] very good skaters. It’s hard to say otherwise.”

Indeed, some tough decisions to make for GM Lou Lamoriello loom ahead.