Report: 5 More Islanders Trade Targets Named

New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair

The NY Islanders have some moves to make this summer to get themselves back into playoff contention. With the free agent pool thin this year, trades will be the way to go for GM Mathieu Darche, and we've already heard the rumors that he's listening on Mat Barzal, though the latest is that he's not on the trade block, per se. Additionally, pending UFA Anders Lee is no slam dunk to return, though they'd like him to.

The Isles have a mere $10.6 million in cap space projected for next season's roster, per PuckPedia. Some bodies will have to be moved out to create more cap room.

Russell Macias of The Hockey News has thrown five more names into the mix, of Islanders players who could become trade candidates. 

Anthony Duclair

If Darche had his druthers, there's no doubt that Duclair and his two years at $3.5M remaining would be the first one to go. He had another hugely disappointing season on Long Island, with just 12 goals and 27 points. He was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. Word is they tried to trade him, but he invoked his full no-trade clause. That changes to a 16-team No Trade List on July 1, so perhaps something will be done. 

Adam Pelech

"The time to flip Pelech could be now," writes Macias. "The Islanders could command a lot in return, with his value at a peak right now." The shutdown d-man had another fine season on the Islanders' blueline. He has three years left on his deal at a $5.75M AAV. He does hold a 16-team no-trade clause.

Pierre Engvall

He has four years remaining on a $3M cap hit. He missed the entire season due to hip and ankle surgeries, but is healthy now. Is there a market for him? Who knows. But even he has a 16-team No Trade List, for some reason. 

Ondrej Palat

The Isles took a shot at acquiring the 34-year-old secondary scorer from the NJ Devils this season, but the change of scenery didn't help. After just four goals with the Devils in 51 games, he added just a single marker in 29 games with the Islanders. With a $6M cap hit next season, it'll be tough to find a taker. 

Casey Cizikas

Another one unlikely to find interest on the trade market, with one year remaining at a $2.5M cap hit. 

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