The New York Islanders are in the thick of a tight Metropolitan Division playoff race, but a glaring weakness is threatening to derail their postseason ambitions: they simply cannot put the puck in the net. Sitting with the third-fewest goals per game and the fourth-fewest actual goals in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders’ offense needs a serious jolt.
While general manager Mathieu Darche recently addressed the team’s depth by acquiring veteran Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils, it is clear that a bigger splash is required to truly contend. Palat brings invaluable Stanley Cup pedigree, but with his best offensive seasons behind him, he isn’t the dynamic game-breaker this roster craves.
Enter the St. Louis Blues and star forward Jordan Kyrou.
NHL rumors are making the rounds that the Blues could be looking to shake up their core, and Russell Macias of The Hockey News believes the Islanders are a prime destination. If Darche wants to make a major statement and secure a playoff spot, Kyrou possesses the exact elite scoring touch the Islanders desperately lack. Let’s break down the potential cost and why this move could change everything on Long Island.
Breaking Down the Trade Package: New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues
My take: Darche made a smart, calculated move getting Palat to stabilize the middle-six and bring leadership to the room. Palat put up three points in six games before the Olympic break, proving he can still contribute in meaningful ways. However, if the Isles GM wants to keep his eye on the trade market for a true scoring forward, Jordan Kyrou should be at the top of the whiteboard.
Kyrou is an electric, 27-year-old winger locked into an 8.125 million dollar AAV contract through the 2030-31 season. He is a perennial 30-goal threat who can instantly transform a stagnant power play. However, extracting a prime asset from the St. Louis Blues won’t be cheap, and there is a massive hurdle to clear: Kyrou holds a full No-Trade Clause (NTC). He holds all the cards and would have to explicitly approve a trade to the Islanders.
If he is willing to waive his NTC for a chance to play on Long Island, here is what a trade package would likely look like:
- A Premium Draft Pick: The Blues are retooling and need high-end draft capital. The Islanders would almost certainly have to surrender their 2026 or 2027 first-round pick.
- A Blue-Chip Prospect: St. Louis will demand a centerpiece for their future. The Islanders would have to part with an A-grade prospect like highly-touted sniper Cole Eiserman, or defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
- A Cap-Clearing Roster Player: The Islanders cannot absorb Kyrou’s massive cap hit without sending significant money the other way. A veteran like J.G. Pageau (5 million dollar AAV) is the most logical piece to balance the books, though St. Louis might require an additional mid-round pick to take on his remaining term.
While the cost is incredibly steep, the Islanders are in a “win-now” window with Ilya Sorokin in his prime. If Darche wants to make a serious push, Kyrou is the caliber of player worth emptying the clip for.
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