Could the New York Islanders make a trade soon?

"The New York Islanders are in a weird spot. The blue and orange are currently the eighth-best team in the NHL, but are in the midst of a retool. When the team lost Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov for the season, its depth was tested, and so far has succeeded. The Islanders have had the "too many players that should be playing problem," which is a good problem to have, except that the Islanders should make a few moves."

"The first move seems obvious, and that's trading Maxim Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov has been a healthy scratch for most of the season and hasn't been noticeable when he's been in the lineup. Tsyplakov has one goal and no assists in 21 games so far this season. It has been a tough year for him, especially not being in the lineup consistently. Teams could be interested because of his impressive rookie season, but it seems that his time on Long Island is dwindling."

"Pageau has had a solid season, garnering six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 31 games so far this season. Pageau has garnered a ton of interest at the previous deadlines, and it's expected that he will gain interest at this year's trade deadline. With the emergence of Calum Ritchie, it makes sense to move on from Pageau at some point this season. He's also a player who could bring back a large return."

The New York Islanders sit eighth in the NHL while undergoing a retool, and they absorbed season-ending losses to Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov with productive depth. The roster contains more players deserving of regular minutes than spots available, prompting potential moves. Maxim Tsyplakov has been a healthy scratch most of the season, with one goal and no assists in 21 games, making him a logical trade candidate despite an impressive rookie year. Jean-Gabriel Pageau has 15 points in 31 games and has attracted repeated trade interest; his value could return significant assets. The team could pursue forwards without surrendering a first-round pick.

Read at Eyes On Isles