NHL Trade Talk: 4 Deals That Could Spark the New York Islanders

With the NHL All-Star game behind us and the second half of the season underway, teams in the middle of their conference will be looking to add to their rosters as they make a final push for a playoff spot.

While the New York Islanders were all but done going into the All-Star break, a good January that saw them go 7-3 against Eastern Conference opponents has put them somewhat back in the playoff hunt.

They are currently 10 points back of an eight place spot, but have been excellent in the last few games as stars like John Tavares and Matt Moulson have been as good as any in the offensive zone.

However, those two can’t do it alone.

If the Islanders want to make a remarkable run to the playoffs, they will need to add a few players to their roster before the trade deadline at the end of February.

Here are four players they should look into.

Luke Schenn

While the offense has started to find its groove, the defense has remained subpar. They have conceded nine goals in their last three games and are 24th overall in goals against on the season.

Even more disheartening is their inability to hold a lead.

Far too often the Isles will get up on a team and only see their lead chipped away at by poor defensive performances late in contest. If they want any hope of making the playoffs they must sure up their back line.

Toronto’s Luke Schenn would be a good fit for this need.

The defenseman brings an edge to the Isles that they are in desperate need of. He is a big physical player who is often among the league leaders in hits. A presence like his could generate some interest from fans and ignite the team.

Rumors have surfaced that Schenn may find his way out of Toronto with the Leafs recently signing John-Michael Liles to a new contract. However, GM Brian Burke has dispelled those claims.

As of right now, it looks like the youngster will stay in Toronto, but that should not stop the Islanders from seeking his talents out in the future.

Derek Roy

Islanders head coach Jack Capuano commented after his team's win over Carolina, suggesting what he may be looking for on the trade block:

“(The first line is) doing offensively what they need to do," Capuano said, "Now, during this stretch, we have to find a way for other guys to score some goals, put points on the board. We have to get some secondary scoring."

The lack of depth of the Islanders has been a problem in recent years. Guys like Matt Moulson and now Tavares have lived up to their expectations, but there is a steep drop off when those first five are on the bench. The second line has less than half as many goals as the first.

Buffalo Saber Derek Roy would be an excellent addition to strengthen their depth.  He is consistent threat in front of the goal with knack for crashing in and swatting home rebounds. He will never be a first line player, but will be much improved over the lower level guys they have now.

Roy was recently dangled out there by Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, but that is about as much credibility the move has gotten. Roy himself is certain he is not going anywhere, but with the recent string of injuries he has had, he may be put up for bids as extra fat on a team just hanging onto a playoff spot.

Jeff Carter

The Blue Jackets have again been the laughing stock of the NHL, and while a move from them to the Islanders is not a big step up, it is at least in the right direction.

Carter’s first year in Columbus has been nothing short of disappointing. The move to get him was supposed to ignite the franchise to a new level, but instead has seen the opposite in them getting off to their worst start of any team in the last 19 seasons.

Carter himself has figured little into this other than the fact he has been absent for long stretches due to injury.

It seems though that only seven months into his tenure as a Blue Jacket the team has already given up, as they have openly placed him on the trading block.

He went to Columbus to be the No. 1 center they always needed, but has not lived up to that expectation. If he were to come to the island, it would give the Islanders two premier-level centers should Carter be able to get healthy.

Lubomir Višňovský

The 35-year-old undersized defenseman may not be the kind of player you would expect the Isles to deal for. Yes, they must plan for the future with this young squad, but sometimes the best way to develop youth is through experienced examples.

Visnovsky has had a long and respectable NHL career and has been one of the best defenders to ever come out of Slovakia.

As it dwindles down, his skills may best be used to influence the future. He is a quarterback of sorts from the defensive position, controlling the game and using his many years of playing as a tool in getting the better of younger faster forwards.

His current team—the Anaheim Ducks—have recently extended Francois Beauchemin’s contract, which according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, has put Visnovsky on the market.