NHL trade rumors: 5 bold trade deadline predictions for 2020

4. New York Islanders Address Scoring Woes

The New York Islanders have been struggling to score this season. And this isn’t a new problem, either. Last season, they ranked 21st in goals scored. This season, the Islanders are even worse off, as they enter Feb. 18 23rd in the NHL in scoring.

Unlike last year, the Isles don’t have the best defense in the league to overcome this flaw. Their defense has been struggling as of late. They’ve fallen from allowing the fewest goals in the NHL last season to allowing the 15th most goals since Jan. 1.

The Islanders desperately need to add some scoring if they want to be serious Stanley Cup contenders. Coleman and Toffoli both would have been great fits, but the Isles missed out on both of them. Chris Kreider would be a great fit, but the Rangers and Islanders have a history of avoiding each other in trades. They’ve made two trades of consequence since the Isles joined the league in 1972.

There are two targets out there that make sense for the Islanders. First, there’s Mike Hoffman of the Florida Panthers. I’m not sure if the Panthers trade Hoffman, but if they do, it’s going to be for defensive help. A Nick Leddy for Hoffman swap could give both teams what they need.

Next, there’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Ottawa Senators. Pageau was born to play for Barry Trotz. He’s a skilled two-way center who works his tail off and can play during all situations. Pageau would be a great fit on the Islanders, as he’d fill in very nicely on their second line and put guys in more appropriate roles.

If the Islanders come away empty-handed at the trade deadline, it sure won’t be due to a lack of options.