Montreal Canadiens: Hypothetical Habs Trade With Every Metropolitan Division Team

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders went on a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Final this year. When you look at the Metropolitan Division, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals jump out at you as the best teams, but it was the Isles that outlasted everyone else in the division this postseason.

They will certainly be hoping for more next season and have a really interesting new goaltender in Ilya Sorokin. His numbers in the KHL were every bit as ridiculous as Igor Shesterkin’s and he was dynamite for the Rangers this season. If Sorokin can repeat that feat, the Islanders have a potential Vezina winner in the blue paint.

They also play a stifling defensive style which will help their new netminder. There is a bit of a changing of the guard taking place on that blue line and it could push a veteran out. Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews have taken on huge roles over the past two seasons, and it is time to pay them.

Pulock and Toews are restricted free agents right now, as is superstar centre Matthew Barzal. Pelech needs a new contract in a year.

The Isles are already tight to the cap and need to move out money to make room for Barzal, Pulock and Toews this offseason. The Habs have money and could use a legitimate top pairing defender to play with Shea Weber.