Fansided

One player on each NHL team that should be traded

By Jeremy Lambert

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 07: General manager of the Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin addresses the media prior to the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 7, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 07: General manager of the Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin addresses the media prior to the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 7, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 04: Jason Chimera #25 of the New York Islanders looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 4, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 04: Jason Chimera #25 of the New York Islanders looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 4, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

106. . LW. New York Islanders. Jason Chimera. 13. player

I really wanted to pick John Tavares here just to see the reaction. But unless Tavares makes it clear that he’s not returning to the Islanders in the offseason, there is no reason for them to trade their star center. And Tavares will not make his offseason intentions clear until the offseason.

The fate of the Islanders really hinges on Tavares’ offseason decision. If Tavares stays, the Islanders stay in “win now” mode. If Tavares leaves, they will be more inclined to see off veteran guys like Cal Clutterbuck.

The future of Jason Chimera doesn’t hinge on Tavares. He’s not useful for the Islanders now and he won’t be useful to them in the future. Maybe he’s useful as a rental player for a young team trying to make the playoffs. A team like the Devils or Avalanche could potentially use Chimera’s playoff experience.

There’s no reason for New York to keep Chimera around. He’s not sticking around past this season, even if Tavares re-signs, and they could recoup a draft pick for him.

Stay warm with this Islanders pullover hooded sweatshirt from Fanatics.

Now, what if the Islanders did trade Tavares? What if they don’t feel good about their chances of re-signing him and they deal him to the highest bidder? I started thinking about that and I decided that Tavares would not bring back a huge haul. Because no team is going to give up roster players and young assets for 20 games and a potential playoff run with Tavares. Not unless he signs an extension with that team immediately following the trade.

So, yeah, Jason Chimera. Get in line, general managers.

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