With Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Haan on the shelf, the New York Islanders are in need of another top defenseman. Their nearly invisible resistance has put the team's goaltending figures in one of the season's worst with 144 goals allowed in 40 games played.
If the Islanders do not address this new need, there is almost no way they will remain in playoff contention. Needless to say, general manager Garth Snow already needs to make a move before the National Hockey League's trade deadline. Metro's Joe Pantorno has some suggestions on who their defense targets could be.
Among the list is Vancouver Canucks D-Man Erik Gudbranson. As he is in the final year of his contract, his name has been the topic of many NHL trade rumors. Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman told Sportsnet 960 that the team looking to deal the 25-year-old before the trade deadline. He may not be scoring a lot, but his 6-foot, 220-pound frame and fearless goaltending support make him a solid defensive second pairing defenseman.
Another is Los Angeles Kings' Alec Martinez. As he has been a mainstay on the LA blueline for years now, he would certainly bring a veteran presence to the Islanders. While he is not extremely physical, he is described as a smart D-man who has a "knack for limiting mistakes, almost playing safe," which could be just what the Islanders need.
If not, New York may consider Luca Sbisa of Vegas Golden Knights known for his physicality, which Islanders undersized blueline lacks. While he is not the best D-man out there, the 6-foot-2 defender has been getting better at not giving away free-scoring chances. Vegas has many defensemen, so Sbisa could be a trade bait for young talents. In this case, New York may give up a youngster or two for this much-needed defenseman.
