"One interesting club proposed as a target for Stamkos is the New York Islanders. At least that's what insider Chris Johston of The Athletic believes. In a December 24 piece, Johnston posited that the New York Islanders could be an interesting destination for Stamkos. The link there is the relationship with current Isles' GM Mathieu Darche. Stamkos and Darche were part of the Tampa Bay Lightning squads that went to three-straight Stanley Cup Finals, winning twice."
"But why not a move to Long Island, where former Lightning exec Mathieu Darche is now calling the shots? The Islanders are hanging in the playoff race, but could use an offensive boost to help them get there. After a sluggish start, Stamkos has been finding the net with much more regularity and still has the finishing ability to boost a power play."
"The price to land Stamkos is reportedly not cheap. Plus, there's Stamkos' $8 million cap hit to worry about. But supposing that Stamkos would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to head to Long Island, Darche would be remiss not to look into this reunion. While this deal may never happen, it's still interesting to speculate if it could. The Islanders could use more scoring, and the Predators are looking to get younger. So, there could be a match there."
Steven Stamkos remains on the trade block, and the New York Islanders have emerged as a possible landing spot due to Mathieu Darche's presence as GM. Stamkos and Darche share history from Tampa Bay Lightning teams that reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, winning twice. Stamkos has regained scoring form and could boost the Islanders' offense and power play, especially alongside a pass-first center like Mathew Barzal. The acquisition would carry a significant cost and an $8 million cap hit, and would likely require Stamkos to waive his no-trade clause. The Islanders need scoring while the Predators pursue youth, creating a conceivable, though expensive, match.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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