NHL DRAFT: Oilers Trades Outside Top 3
By Dave Mallett
Mar 6, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders forward
(53) battles with Edmonton Oilers defensemen
(36) in front of goaltender
(30) during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
5. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
The Islanders are a beleaguered organization with many management and ownership issues. It seemed like they were building a nice little core there with Matt Moulson, Michael Grabner and John Tavares. But, Moulson is gone. Luckily for them, Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo had standout years. But, beyond the Top 6, there is much work to be done. One gets the feeling Garth Snow is likely to stand pat at the draft, especially after the disaster that was the Thomas Vanek trade.
TRADE SCENARIO
NEW YORK—5th Overall, Cal Clutterbuck, 2015 4th Round Pick
EDMONTON—3rd Overall, Sam Gagner, 2015 7th Round Pick
WILL IT HAPPEN? Probably not. New York would be a good home for Sam Gagner, who could support John Tavares and give a little pop to their middle two lines. Cal Clutterbuck is a guy who Edmonton could use. He has PO’d Taylor Hall on more than one occasion. But, his new contract still has three years on it. He could slot into the third line, but his departure would leave the Islanders without the grit they need almost as bad as Edmonton does.