Elias Pettersson's name has been circulating in trade rumors, and the New York Islanders emerge as a potential prime destination. While Pettersson has an $11.6 million per year extension, his production dip and reported locker-room issues in Vancouver have fueled speculation about a change of scenery.

Why the Islanders?

Several factors position the Islanders as an appealing fit for Pettersson. The Islanders are currently second in a competitive Metropolitan Division. General Manager Mathieu Darche has focused on accumulating draft picks, bolstering the prospect pool, and maintaining cap flexibility. This positions the team to make a significant move while sustaining long-term competitiveness. The Islanders have a solid core including Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, Ilya Sorokin, and rising star Matthew Schaefer, but may need another impactful forward.

Bo Horvat, who played with Pettersson in Vancouver for over three seasons and served as his captain, expressed his desire to play with Pettersson again. Having established chemistry could ease Pettersson's transition and potentially unlock his offensive capabilities.

What would it cost?

Acquiring a player of Pettersson's caliber would require a significant trade package. The Canucks are reportedly seeking a center, a defenseman, and potentially a prospect in return. Names like Noah Dobson, Brock Nelson, and prospect Danny Nelson have been mentioned as potential pieces in a deal with Vancouver. Some reports suggest the Canucks might even inquire about Mathew Barzal, although it's uncertain if the Islanders would entertain such a move.

A potential trade involving Dobson and Nelson could address Vancouver's needs for a defenseman and a center. However, some analysts believe giving up too much for Pettersson might not be wise.

Potential Challenges:

The Islanders would need to navigate Pettersson's $11.6 million cap hit. Even with potential cap dumps like Pierre Engvall, the team might need to be creative to make the numbers work. There is also the risk that Pettersson may not return to his peak performance level. His agent has also refuted claims that Pettersson would waive his no-movement clause.

Despite these challenges, the potential reward of adding a game-breaking talent like Pettersson to an already competitive Islanders team could be worth the risk.