Everyone knows the position the Islanders are in. They have roughly $3.9 million in cap with one more player to sign. In most cases, that would be doable, but in this player's case—yeah, not so much. That player is Matthew Barzal, and even at a home discount, there no chance he signs for that.
This much we know: the buyout option is out the window. The Islanders are shopping Boychuck all over the world. It isn't that Boychuck can't play; teams are balking at his cap hit. They have a similar problem with Mr. Ladd. What makes his contract particularly troublesome is that it is a bonus-driven contract that makes it almost impossible to buy him out.
The Islanders are down to one option, which is a trade. They have options. Their next best chance at trade bait is probably Bailey. Teams that need a playmaker could use the forward. He has a good rep as a penalty killer and teams love his skating. I have also been told that teams like his versatility; he can also play centre. Cal Clutterbuck is another asset the Isles could deal. Cal is a solid fourth-liner and penalty killer. Again, the main obstacle is his cap. Clubs would be more willing to take on his cap than Boychuck's. The Isles could waive Leo Komarov with Boychuck and Ladd. With the cap they have left, they might be able to sign Barzal.
Last Word
My biggest beef when it comes to the Islanders is Josh Ho-Sang. They have to play the kid if they want to show him off to the other NHL clubs and get something of value for him. The Isles are not going to use him, so they might as well try to get something for him.
I want to thank my friends Thomas Boyle and David Weintraub for their help with this blog's material.
Randy.
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