Two Islanders who could be traded by NHL deadline
Islanders goaltender Jaroslav Halak removes his mask after Panthers right wing Evgenii Dadonov scored a goal during the second periodat Barclays Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The NHL trading deadline is Feb. 26. With that in mind, these players could be involved in deals:
Brock Nelson
It is not highly likely that he will be dealt because he has flourished with linemates Andrew Ladd and Cal Clutterbuck, witness his hat trick Friday. Still, if the Islanders are serious about improving defense or goaltending, they will have to deal from strength up front. Nelson is not among the young core the Islanders are trying to protect and is much more tradeable than a high-salaried veteran such as Ladd.
Jaroslav Halak
The Islanders might want to upgrade their goalie position for now and for the future. If so, there is no sense keeping Halak around for the rest of the season. The prospective unrestricted free agent could be included in a package for his replacement and become some team’s backup for the final five weeks. Given the way Thomas Greiss has played, the Islanders might trade a middling draft pick for a new backup.
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