The Price Is Right: Gauging Islanders’ Trade Values

The Price Is Right: Gauging Islanders’ Trade Values

1/25/23

By Ryan Maher

As the NHL trade deadline approaches and the Islanders continue to slip in the standings, the team very well may be in a “sell” situation on March 3rd at 3pm when the deadline comes.

So, what Islanders players could be on their way out, why, and how much could the Islanders get in return for them?

*Opinions based off value of player and sales from previous deadlines.

Let’s start with the UFA’s.

Semyon Varlamov-

In the last year of his 4 year, 5-million-dollar contract with the Islanders, Varly has taken on the backup role behind Ilya Sorokin but has been solid when called upon.

Semyon holds an 8-5-1 record with a .908 save percentage and 2.85 goals allowed on average. The 34 year old Russian netminder has one shutout this season.

So, what can the Isles sell off Varlamov for?

A team in need of goaltending in push for a cup could pay up to a 2nd round pick with the Isles retaining some of Varly’s expiring salary.

(See Marc Andre Fleury 2022 trade for value reference).

Zach Parise-

In his second season as an Islander, Zach Parise has impressed yet again. It always seems he is the hardest worker on the ice every night and plays such a flexible, important role in the lineup. Parise has 13 goals and 20 points in 49 games so far. On pace for over 20 goals and a great veteran presence could see the Islanders fetching a 3rd round pick for Parise still searching for his first Stanley Cup.

(See Derrick Brassard 2022 trade for value reference)

Scott Mayfield-

Last, but certainly not least for the UFA trade chips is Isles right-handed defenseman Scott Mayfield. Keynote there is RIGHT-HANDED DEFENSEMAN. RHD’s do not grow on trees lately for GM’s and Mayfield, who has had a nice two-way year for the Islanders, could cost a pretty penny for teams looking for the rare valued RHD. Scotty has who is on pace for a 10-goal season has only added to his value with that. His physical and penalty killing ability only adds to his value. The Islanders could shockingly receive a conditional 1st round pick in exchange for Mayfield’s duties.

(See Ben Chariot 2022 trade for value reference)

Now let us talk some Isles not on expiring deals that could be on their way out as part of a retool.

Anthony Beauvillier-

Anthony Beauvillier who was a former first round pick, has just never really found his touch with the Islanders. Beau has never had a 40-point season and just has been inconsistent throughout his Islanders tenure. He has had some playoff success, but his regular season number does not match his 4.1-million-dollar cap hit. His deal will expire after the 2023-24 season.

So, what is his worth?

Due to his draft, age, and obvious skill a change of scenery might be the vest thing for Tito’s career. His 4.1-million-dollar cap hit hurts his value considering his numbers, but the Islanders should be able to retrieve a 3rd round maybe 2nd round pick for the 25-year-old.

(See Kasperi Kapanen deal in 2020)

Josh Bailey-

Josh Bailey is the longest tenured Islander on this team being drafted 15 years ago. Bailey has had some good years and some bad years. But it is time for the Islanders to move on from the former 9th overall pick.

Does he have any value?

With Bailey owed 5 million dollars in his last year of his contract next season, it is hard to think Josh has much value. Maybe, a rebuilding team wants to take on the presence of Bailey to help mentor their younger players? Could the Islanders grab a 6th round pick for Bails? I do not know.

(See Keith Yandle deal in 2016)

It will be an interesting couple of weeks headed into the deadline and the Islanders play will truly decide their future.