As the NHL offseason heats up, the New York Islanders find themselves in a familiar position: searching for ways to inject more skill and scoring into their lineup. With free agency underway and the trade market active, two names have surfaced as potential targets: Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers and Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. Both players offer intriguing skill sets that could address some of the Islanders' needs, but acquiring either one would come with its own set of considerations.
Nikolaj Ehlers, a 29-year-old winger, is set to test the unrestricted free agent market after completing a seven-year, $6 million AAV contract with the Jets. Known for his speed and offensive consistency, Ehlers has been a reliable top-six forward throughout his career. In the past season, he recorded 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 69 games. Ehlers's ability to create scoring chances and his knack for finding open looks make him an appealing option for the Islanders, who have struggled to generate offense at times. He could potentially slot into the top line alongside Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, adding a dynamic element to their attack.
However, Ehlers is not without his drawbacks. His injury history and perceived inconsistency have led some teams to be wary of pursuing him. Additionally, as an unrestricted free agent, Ehlers is likely to command a significant contract, potentially in the $8 million or higher range. For the Islanders, who have around $20 million in available cap space, signing Ehlers would require some financial maneuvering, possibly involving moving on from players like Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Pierre Engvall to create additional room.
Marco Rossi, a 23-year-old center for the Minnesota Wild, presents a different kind of opportunity. As a restricted free agent, Rossi would require the Islanders to submit an offer sheet that the Wild would be unwilling to match. Rossi has shown promise as a top-six forward, scoring 60 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in 82 games this past season. He is a skilled playmaker with a strong offensive upside, and could be a valuable addition to the Islanders' forward group.
One of the potential challenges in acquiring Rossi is convincing him to leave Minnesota. However, reports suggest that Rossi may be open to a change of scenery, as he reportedly views himself as a top-six player and may not see a clear path to that role with the Wild. Another factor to consider is the compensation required for signing Rossi via offer sheet. Depending on the contract's average annual value (AAV), the Islanders would have to surrender draft picks to the Wild. A six-year deal at $5.85 million AAV could be enough to get Rossi to Long Island while keeping the compensation at a reasonable level.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to target Ehlers or Rossi will depend on the Islanders' priorities and their assessment of each player's value. Ehlers offers a proven track record of offensive production, but comes with a higher price tag and potential injury concerns. Rossi represents a younger, potentially more cost-effective option with significant upside, but acquiring him would involve navigating the complexities of the offer sheet process.
