New York Islanders Face Choices at the NHL Trade Deadline

A few weeks back, most Islander fans would have expected the Isles to be active sellers at the trade deadline, selling off vets to acquire more draft picks and maybe a prospect or two. 

Injuries to some players over the last few weeks may severely limit what the Islanders can do at the trade deadline. 

Doug Weight, who many thought to be their biggest trade chip, went down and more than likely won't be moved. 

Now Richard Park, who could have potentially been trade bait (although personally I don't think he would have been traded) goes down with an injury too.

Park's injury, however, could have an effect on what the Isles do with center Mike Comrie. 

With Weight, Park, and Nate Thompson all out for extended periods of time, the Isles are now short a center.  They could still move Comrie, and bring up maybe Jeremy Colliton until one of the above-mentioned centers is healthy again, but are the Islanders willing to go with three rookie centers for a period of time? 

I'm going to say yes because they are in rebuilding mode, and if they end up with the first-overall pick in the draft, you're looking at John Tavares, Josh Bailey, and Frans Neilson—all young players—as the top three centers on this team next season.  My guess is Comrie goes for a second- or third-round draft pick.

Another player the Isles could possibly move at the deadline is defenseman Brendan Witt.  I've been on the fence about him.  It is very obvious he does not fit coach Scott Gordon's system, and is not part of the future of this team.  On the other hand he has played better of late, and without Witt and Andy Sutton injured, the Isles have no big crease clearing defenseman. 

Right now I think it's 50-50 the Isles move him.  If the right deal comes along (a first-rounder, or a second-rounder and a prospect), Witt will be gone.  Anything less and I think he stays, and Snow can try and move him at some point over the summer or during next season.

Finally, there have been some rumors about the Isles potentially shopping some of the younger guys Like Sean Bergeheim and Chris Campoli.  I hope that the Isles do not move either of these players. 

Bergenheim has been better since returning to the lineup, and if he can put everything together, will be a solid player for this team in the future.  Campoli has shown flashes, and defensemen generally take longer to develop, so I'd hate to see him turn into a solid defenseman for another team. 

All in all, I expect it to be a relatively quiet trade deadline day in Islanders country.  My prediction is that Comrie, and maybe Witt will be the only two players moved. 

I did not mention Bill Guerin at all because he has a no-move clause, and has stated he likes Long Island. I do not see him being traded.  Look for him to be signed to an extension.