Isles Have Inquired With the Hawks/Flyers/Bruins About Trades

According to Arthur Staple in a radio interview tonight, the Islanders have inquired with the Flyers, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Boston Bruins about potential trades.  With all three of those teams in cap trouble it makes sense for the Islanders to be speaking with them especially the later two more frequently then not.

Staple mentioned that the team has shown interest in Johnny Boychuk from the Bruins.  Boychuk, going into the final year of his contract would fit the Islanders like a glove.  Boychuck brings a lot of elements severely lacking on the Islanders blue line right now including but not limited to size and snarl.  Standing at 6'2 225 Boychuk would be the biggest Islanders defenseman depending on if Griffin Reinhart makes the team or not.  After being a team of puckmoving defensemen and stick checkers for a while now it will be nice to get some size and snarl in there.

Unlike some guys who are on the bigger side, Boychuk isn't afraid to use his body either.  He is also a right handed shot which is something the Islanders lack on the blue line with Travis Hamonic being their only right shot defenseman right now.

No matter who the Islanders trade with, if it is one of these three teams or a team not mentioned, acquiring a top 4-dman will go a long way in helping the teams chances at qualifying for a playoff berth this season.