Ranking the Players the New York Islanders Should Covet at Trade Deadline

The New York Islanders have been riding high all season long, and they are currently leading the Metropolitan Division. The Isles have gotten strong contributions from their youngsters all season long, but that shouldn't stop general manager Garth Snow from bolstering his roster for a playoff push.

Although the Islanders appear to be a legitimate playoff contender, there are opportunities for them to get even better at the trade deadline. With that in mind, here are the players the Islanders should covet as the trade deadline approaches.

No. 5: Antti Raanta, Chicago Blackhawks

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Age: 25

Cap Hit: $700,000

Why He Should Be Targeted: Antti Raanta's days in Chicago could be coming to an end now that Scott Darling has been signed to a two-year contract extension, per the Blackhawks' official site.

The Islanders are set in goal with Jaroslav Halak as a starter, but Chad Johnson has not played well this season. Chad "Ocho Cinco" has a 7-7-1 record with a 3.08 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage.

In a small sample size, Raanta has played well for Chicago, and adding him for insurance would make a ton of sense for the Islanders. There is no telling what could happen between now and when the playoffs start, and shoring up the goaltending position is something that should be on Garth Snow's checklist.

No. 4: Daniel Winnik, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Age: 29

Cap Hit: $1.3 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Daniel Winnik is quality top-nine forward that would add some offense, defensive ability and experience to the Islanders' bottom six.

Winnik can play all three positions, and the 29-year-old has 25 points thus far. He is very responsible in his own zone, and currently leads the Maple Leafs in shorthanded time on ice.

For $1.3 million, Winnik would be a great utility player that would cost very little to acquire.

No. 3: Michael Ryder, New Jersey Devils

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Age: 34

Cap Hit: $3.5 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: If the Islanders don't want to go all-out on an option for the right side, New Jersey's Michael Ryder would be an adequate fit. He's a veteran scoring forward who has struggled for the Devils—but then again, who hasn't?

Ryder has valuable Stanley Cup experience, he is a solid trigger man on the power play and has averaged 23.1 goals a season throughout his career. He isn't the best option on the market by any means, but is one who could realistically add something of value to the Islanders.

No. 2: Chris Stewart, Buffalo Sabres

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Age: 27

Cap Hit: $4.15 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: The New York Islanders could use another winger for their playoff run, because Kyle Okposo's status is still unknown. Stewart may only have 22 points, but he is playing for a very terrible Buffalo Sabres team.

Stewart is a rugged winger who should be able to produce alongside John Tavares, and that would allow Okposo to start on the second line in a sheltered role once he is healthy enough to return.

No. 1: Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes

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Age: 28

Cap Hit: $2.75 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: The New York Islanders need another defender to compete for the Stanley Cup. Of all the current Stanley Cup contenders, the Islanders are the worst defensively. The Isles have allowed 2.79 goals per game this season, sixth-worst in the league.

Andrej Sekera would step in and fill a top-four role, even though he's currently averaging just under 23 minutes a game. He would fit in Calvin de Haan's spot alongside Travis Hamonic, and that would help stop the bleeding a bit.

This would allow for De Haan to anchor the third pairing, and that ultimately would enhance the Islanders' defensive depth.

Rumors via NHL.com and The Fourth Period. Stats via Hockey-Reference, NHL.com and Own The Puck.