Islanders could look to move a defenseman or two
Arthur Staple of The Athletic: With the development of some of their young players this season, the New York Islanders could consider trading defenseman Nick Leddy this offseason.
“He may not be a top-pair guy and maybe he never was,” one scout said. “But on the right team as a solid No. 3, he could put a team over the top.”
The soon to be 28-year old Leddy has three years left on his contract at a $5.5 million salary cap hit.
35-year old defenseman Johnny Boychuk has three years left at $6 million cap hit, a no-movement clause and an eight-team no-trade list.
The Islanders could use some scoring help. They tried to trade for Matt Duchene and Mark Stone at the deadline and could look Artemi Panarin and Duchene in free agency.
Multiple scouts/executives believe the Islanders could get a top-six foward for Leddy.
One executive wonders about an Edmonton Oilers-NY Islanders trade involving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leddy.
Would the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets be interested in Leddy?
If the Islanders are looking for a left-handed defenseman in free agency they could look at Jake Gardiner.
Pierre LeBrun: “Whatever happens this summer, I think the Isles will be involved in many things on many fronts. They’ve got cap room and a desire to add.”
Rangers will be diving into the free agent market
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 when asked about the New York Rangers.
“It’s going to be an interesting summer for those guys because they’re going into the free agent waters, and they’re not going to be tip-toeing in – they’re going to be diving in. I think it’ll be interesting to see Panarin, I think they’re going to take a big run at him. We’ll see what else is out there.