With the New York Islanders losing Andres Lee for rest of the NHL season, it has freed up $7 million in cap space for the Islanders to make a trade for a deep playoff run.
Larry Brooks reports, If the Columbus Blue Jackets cannot get pending free agent Nick Foligno to sign an extension before the April 12 NHL trade deadline, then, A) Doesn’t Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen owe it to the franchise’s future to move the team captain rather than keep him for a playoff drive; and, B) Doesn’t Foligno fit perfectly into the mold of a Lou Lamoriello-Barry Trotz player?
Lomoriello has stated, “We’re always trying to find a scoring winger, whether it’s because of Anders’ situation or not.” If Lomoriello decides he would rather have a forward that can score than a gritty forward like Foligno, NHL trade rumors have been going around the Islanders could target Taylor Hall.
Another option for the Isles is New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri. The Devils are looking to move Palmieri and he could fill the void of the scoring winger the Islanders are looking for.
