Pending UFA Nelson not stressing about deadline
Andrew Gross of Newsday: New York Islanders pending first-line center Brock Nelson isn’t really stressing over the trade deadline and is expecting to remain with the team after the deadline.
“It’s just kind of playing hockey and seeing how things go,” said Nelson, adding his expectation is to remain with the Islanders past the trade deadline. “Everybody is happy with being here and winning games and we’d like that to continue.”
Other pending UFAs include Anders Lee, Jordan Eberle and Robin Lehner.
Would the Islanders be interested in Kovalchuk?
TSN: Darren Dreger on TSN 690 said the New York Islanders are looking like buyers at the trade deadline but don’t expect them to trade their top prospects like Noah Dobson or Oliver Wahlstrom. GM Lou Lamoriello could be looking for some added scoring help.
“I had somebody just kind of whisper in my ear yesterday – and let’s not call it a source or anything firm, just wild speculation is what it is – wondering whether Lamoriello might have interest in Ilya Kovalchuk with the Los Angeles Kings.
“Crazier things have happened, and given the opportunity to play a more offensive role with the Islanders, maybe there’s a fit there. There’s certainly history between Lamoriello and Kovalchuk.
“But obviously there wouldn’t be any sort of long-term need in Kovalchuk at that point.”
Andy Graziano of WFan: The New York Islanders could have use for a dynamic forward. They don’t have their own 2nd, 3rd or 4th round pick this year, and their prospect pool may not be as deep as some think.
Potential big named options could include Artemi Panarin, Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ilya Kovalchuk (salary retention a must). Do the Islanders really want to trade for a rental?
The Islanders having pending UFAs in Anders Lee and Brock Nelson.
Deciding to trade or not to trade will be a tough decision for management.
