Per NHL journalist David Pagnotta, New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is doing his best to get forward Mat Barzal signed to a new contract before the beginning of the 2020-21 season, which has involved shopping around certain players to create the cap room.
Barzal, 23, is one of the better young talents throughout the entire league. Last season saw him post 19 goals and 60 points in 68 games played. Many have suggested that if he were in a different system that didn't preach so much on defensive play, his numbers would be much bigger. Regardless, the Isles are doing everything in their power right now to get him signed to a new deal before the season kicks off on January 13.
One of the options the Islanders are considering moving to open up cap space is to trade defenceman Thomas Hickey. The 31-year-old spent the 2019-20 season in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, but was limited to just 13 games due to injury. The 4th overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft has played in a total of 449 NHL games, and has two years remaining on a deal that has a $2.5 million cap hit.
Another player the Islanders are reportedly looking to move is forward Leo Komarov. The 33-year-old has spent the last two seasons with the team, used primarily in a fourth line role. Last season saw him suit up for 48 regular season games with the Isles, where he posted 14 points, as well as 17 playoff games where he had a goal and two assists. He has two years remaining with a cap hit of $3 million.
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