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NHL trade rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Patrik Laine

By Alex Hoegler

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 16: Winnipeg Jets rightwing Patrik Laine (29) during a first round Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues, on April 16, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 16: Winnipeg Jets rightwing Patrik Laine (29) during a first round Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues, on April 16, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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3. New York Islanders

The New York Islanders were one of the biggest surprises in 2018-19, recording 103 points to make the postseason under new head coach Barry Trotz. And this was despite losing franchise star John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency last year.

Thanks to a breakout year from veteran goalie Robin Lehner, the Islanders allowed the fewest goals in the regulars season (196). But the defense-first system meant sacrificing scoring, and New York ranked 21st in that category (228 goals for). Without a doubt, they need to bring in one or two more big-time goal-scorers.

Related Story. 3 Players Islanders Should Move On From. light

Captain Anders Lee is a pending UFA and has yet to sign a new contract. Ditto for winger Jordan Eberle, who’ll probably test free agency. There’s a good chance Lee stays with the Isles, but the team needs another scoring winger — especially with Eberle likely on his way out.

The Islanders — loaded with defencemen and NHL-ready prospects — should be able to offer up a nice package to the Jets for Laine. General manager Lou Lamoriello would probably have to give up at least three significant pieces: Two quality roster players and a prospect that’s ready to turn pro in 2020.

Loaded with quality defensemen, the Islanders can afford to move on from Nick Leddy, who would fill in a top-four spot for the Jets. And with a plethora of quality young forwards, they can sacrifice Anthony Beauvillier (21 goals last season, 18 in 2018-19) and prospect Oliver Wahlstrom.

This may seem like a lot to give up if you’re the Islanders, but none of their forwards project to be consistent 40-goal scorers like Laine, and they still have more than enough guys who can put up 20-something goals. Clearing out Leddy’s $5.5 million cap hit for three more years opens up space for Lamoriello to extend Lee and Laine. The Jets also need an impact forward in return, and they get it in Wahlstrom — the 11th overall selection in last year’s draft.

It’s a great move for both sides, as they each secure pieces that will help them compete for a Stanley Cup in 2020.

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