NHL Rumors: 2 New York Islanders Most Likely to be Traded

The New York Islanders sit dead last in the Metropolitan division and changes are expected to be coming in early 2022. Let's take a look at a couple of players who could be next to leave Long Island.

Josh Bailey

The 32-year-old versatile winger is signed for two more seasons after this year at $5 million annually. He's one of the only core forwards for the Islanders who doesn't hold trade protection and that is certainly on the mind of Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello. Bailey has appeared in 23 games this season and only has one goal and 11 assists. His last three seasons have been much more productive with point totals of 35, 43 and 56. He's certainly having a down year on Long Island and expect to see the Islanders gauge the trade market in early 2022.

Zdeno Chara

Big Z at 44 years old is still getting it done in the NHL and with the Islanders not destined for the postseason, look for Lamoriello to approach Chara about heading to a contender for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He's only signed for this season and at league minimum. So far in 25 games for New York this season, the towering defenseman has yet to score and has recorded two assists. He sits sixth on the team in ice-time per night and has seen a ton of time on the penalty kill. He'll gladly stick up for his teammates and could bring some nasty to a playoff bound team. The likes of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers are three teams to keep an eye on for trading for Chara.

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