The New York Islanders continue to trend in the right direction as the season moves along. Sitting second in the Metropolitan Division with a 27-17-5 record, the Islanders have won two of their last three games.
With eyes firmly set on a deep playoff run, New York is expected to explore ways to strengthen its roster. According to NHL insider Dan Rosen, that search could lead the Islanders right back to Vancouver.
Insider Links Islanders to Canucks $50,750,000 Franchise Player
Rosen suggested that Islanders management should consider doing business with the Canucks for forward Brock Boeser. He’s in the first year of a seven-year, $50.75 million contract, with a full no-movement clause for four years that later becomes a 15-team modified no-trade clause.
The Islanders are clearly in need of additional scoring up front. And a short-term rental doesn’t seem like the direction general manager Mathieu Darche would want to take. Options around the league are limited, with players like Jordan Kyrou struggling and veterans such as Steven Stamkos approaching 36 years old with an $8 million cap hit.
Rosen doesn’t believe a trade between the Islanders and Rangers is realistic, noting that even though Panarin would fit the Islanders well on the ice, he’s unlikely to waive his no-movement clause to join a cross-town rival.
“So, instead of the Rangers, the Islanders should be looking at the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, because those are two teams that are obvious sellers in this market that have players under contract beyond this season who are available, namely Canucks forward Brock Boeser and Flames center Nazem Kadri,” Roser said.
Rosen added that New York is well-positioned to be a buyer, holding two first-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft and maintaining control of its future draft assets.
Would Brock Boeser Consider a Move?
Of course, any potential deal hinges on Boeser’s willingness to waive his NMC. It would be a significant decision for him to leave Vancouver less than a year into a long-term contract. Even if the Canucks are leaning toward a retool or rebuild.
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From a competitive standpoint, the fit makes sense. “Going to the Islanders would reunite him with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat, which could be enticing,” Rosen said. “He would also be going to a team that needs his goal scoring and wants to be a perennial playoff contender.”
Still, Boeser’s long-term commitment to Vancouver and any off-ice considerations could weigh heavily in his decision. For now, it’s all just speculation. But it’s certainly a storyline to keep an eye on for the Islanders as they prepare to face the Kraken on Wednesday.
