NHL Trade Rumors: Shayna Goldman Identifies a Forward as a Target for the Islanders
The New York Islanders have been on a spending spree before the Olympic roster freeze, acquiring Carson Soucy from the Rangers, Ondrej Palat and two draft picks from the Devils in quick succession. This aggressive move shows the Islanders' determination to make the most of the current season, disregarding their initial plans to 'retool'.
In a recent article, Shayna Goldman of The Athletic suggests that the Islanders should focus on acquiring players with multiple years left on their contracts, a strategy that could set them up for long-term success. She names Jordan Kyrou as the ideal candidate, highlighting his value to the Blues, who are currently struggling to secure a playoff spot.
Why the Islanders Should Go After Jordan Kyrou
Kyrou is currently in the third year of an eight-year contract, with an annual salary of $8.125 million, a reasonable deal given the rising salary cap. Despite a slight dip in his point total this season, his advanced metrics paint a different picture. According to Natural Stat Trick, Kyrou boasts impressive numbers: 55.71 CF%, 62.36 SCF%, and 62.98 xG%, all career-highs. He's also proven to be a threat from mid- and long-range shots, ranking in the 94th and 95th percentiles, respectively, according to NHL EDGE.
Kyrou's offensive prowess is further emphasized by his ability to slot into the Islanders' top six, likely on the second line with Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman. His presence, along with Drouin, Matt Barzal, and Bo Horvat, would create a formidable offensive attack, a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
However, acquiring Kyrou is not without its challenges. The Islanders have limited cap space, requiring the Blues to retain salary or a third team to facilitate the trade. Additionally, Kyrou must waive his no-trade clause. A potential deal could involve young prospects, ideally defensemen, and draft picks, a steep price but one that could be justified for a player of Kyrou's caliber.
If the Islanders are serious about a deep playoff run, they must make a push for Kyrou. His addition would provide a lethal offensive attack, a key asset in the highly competitive NHL landscape.
