The last of the Islanders’ pending UFA’s has officially put pen-to-paper. Oliver Wahlstrom agreed to sign his qualifying offer on Monday, leaving their forward core mostly set for the time being. However, with Wahlstrom under contract, the Islanders now have another issue on their hands in their salary cap.
The Islanders are now over the cap for next year per CapFriendly, and while teams are allowed to go over during the offseason, a corresponding move will need to free up salary. With the team still looking to make deals to improve their roster, what could their solution be to provide the relief necessary to do so?
One of the main issues with the Islanders’ roster is an expensive fourth line. Casey Cizikas has played up to his $2.5 million cap hit, but Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin have struggled with age. With Martin now 34 and Clutterbuck missing time due to injury recently, it may be time to move their $1.5 or $1.75 million cap hits, respectively. The team could also waive Ross Johnston with his $1.1 million sitting in the press box most nights. While these moves could provide relief and needed fresh blood, it all depends on the future of Zach Parise. Parise is older than these three players but proved he has gas left in the tank last season, scoring 20 goals. While their cap hits aren’t too much to cause tremendous relief, bottom six players are fairly common, and they can find equally good and, potentially, cheaper options as well.
General manager Lou Lamoriello said he’s now at the point of the offseason where he will make “hockey trades” to improve their roster. While he used the phrase last year and it only led to the acquisition of Alex Romanov, it could mean more with the Islanders needing to get more cap space. Various players have cap hits over $4 million, including Noah Dobson and Kyle Palmieri, but moving any of these names will throw a wrench into their plans. Returns could be as simple as futures or as complex as a package, but unless they’re absolutely sure they can find an equal replacement, downgrading at these positions hurts their status as contenders. It’s possible they could use some pieces of the return to land further upgrades, but unless the trades are logical for the roster, it’s unsure if they will help both their cap situation and roster.
A recent report by Stefen Rosner shared speculation that the Isles and Boston Bruins could discuss a deal featuring Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Jake DeBrusk. While nothing has developed yet and a move does provide youth and an intriguing piece in a prove-it year, there is considerable risk. For one, their lineup will change considerably with a probable trade, as Bo Horvat will potentially move to center and away from Mat Barzal’s wing. Additionally, you lose a strong two way piece in Pageau who still plays solid defensively and can score big goals. While Pageau’s deal is far from an anchor contract, it might have to be the move depending on what New York will get in a probable trade.
While hockey trades may be the way for the Islanders out of their salary cap dilemma, what happens in a possible deal is very much in doubt. If they decide to move a heavier contract, it risks greatly changing the lineup despite a possible return or cap relief barring a secondary move. Even if they move a lighter, bottom six piece, it still might cost something to get rid of it. Regardless, a move will be necessary with the team sitting near the cap, and it will be interesting to see if Lamoriello and company can make the right move to help them back to the playoffs again.
