New York Islanders: Three non-rentals the Isles should target at the deadline

Mike Hoffman.

Mike Hoffman is a name you might remember after his turbulent offseason. There was a non-hockey related scandal so the Senators shipped him off to the Sharks who then right away flipped him to the Florida Panthers.

However, Hoffman is a player who could instantly help the New York Islanders. He could come in a be placed right on the first or second line and potentially be centered by Mathew Barzal, which would be great for both players.

Florida’s right-wing is productive too. At the deadline, he will have 51 points in 60 games while being more of a goal scorer on paper (26-25-51) but brings the best of both to the Islanders.

Now, this whole article is about players who the Isles wouldn’t be “renting” it is about players who are not free-agents after this season. Hoffman would be a free-agent after the 2019-2020 season meaning the Isles could get more from him beyond this season.

His cap hit would be $5.19M, but that is not too big of a hit for what would be his production. The biggest issue with Hoffman is he would have to approve any kind of trade and give 10 teams, which he has been asked to do.

The Islanders would likely have to give up at least a first round pick for him, but that could be worth it considering they would be getting an instant upgrade for more than this year and they had two last season, so not hurting for one.

Also, nothing is guaranteed in terms of if the Panthers will bite on any trade. He is a solid player and still under team control. The Panthers are also a team that is always half contending. Never the best never the worst, so the idea of them selling is not set in stone.

What this does mean though is that there is still a chance he gets traded. The Islanders should at least give Florida a call because he would be a great player to insert into the lineup and help them. Whether this will happen is to be determined, but Isles should surely try.