Islanders & Potential Player Additions
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As we inch closer and closer to the 2024 NHL Draft and the beginning of NHL free agency, here's a collection of our pieces on potential additions for the New York Islanders:
NIKOLAJ EHLERS
The Islanders need to upgrade their top six if they want to become a more consistent, complete team in 2024-25.
Could an option be sitting on the Winnipeg Jets?
Multiple sources have told The Hockey News that the Islanders have inquired about Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers:
PATRIK LAINE
One of the NHL's best snipers when on his game, Patrik Laine, the former second overall pick in 2016, has struggled to live up to expectations in two cities due to injuries and, at times, effort.
He is now asking out of Columbus, and if the Blue Jackets retain 50 percent, Laine's cap hit will be manageable at $4.35 million. But it's a risky add:
MITCH MARNER
Hockey trades.
Islanders fans have heard Lou Lamoriello allude to the term “hockey trades“ over the past few seasons. And while some trades have come, none really have moved the needle besides acquiring, and signing Bo Horvat.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner would move the needle:
JAKE GUENTZEL
Unless the Islanders find a way to clear a tremendous amount of salary-cap space, getting superstar free-agent forward Jake Guentzel isn't happening.
But a player like him is the need for New York.
MORGAN FROST
With limited cap space and a depleted prospect pool, however, the Islanders need to be opportunistic via trade or free agency.
Could Philadelphia Flyers forward Morgan Frost, who has one year left on his deal worth $2.1 million, be a strong addition to the middle-six?
TYLER TOFFOLI
In this year's free agency class, one of the top forwards available is Tyler Toffoli, who could be a potential fit for both the short and long term.
Although he might not be the Islanders' No. 1 option this summer, he certainly could be viewed as a backup plan, or a Plan C, if others can't be had:
MARTIN NECAS
There's no question that Carolina Hurricanes' pending restricted free agent forward Martin Necas would be a strong fit for the Islanders.
However, do the Islanders have the right pieces, and would they be willing to part ways with those pieces to acquire the 25-year-old?
OTHER HURRICANES
The Hurricanes have 14 pending unrestricted free agents, more than a handful of whom are starters in their lineup.
If they hit free agency, could the Islanders be interested in any of them?
ARTHUR KALIYEV
Restricted free agent forward Arthur Kaliyev has requested a trade from the Los Angeles Kings, according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period.
Although not a top-six winger, Kaliyev could bolster New York's bottom-six:
VICTOR OLOFSSON
Our The Hockey News colleague, Michael Augello, shared a report that Buffalo Sabres pending unrestricted free agent forward Victor Olofsson will be testing the market after a down year in his sixth season in Western New York.
The natural right winger, who can play both wing positions, spent time in the press box this past season, and he's likely to take a prove-it deal.
He should be on the Islanders' radar: