Maple Leafs Should Acquire Islanders’ Palmieri, Not Nelson – The Hockey Writers – Trade Deadline

The trade deadline is only a few days away, and all 32 teams are preparing accordingly. The New York Islanders are one of the major players since they can buy or sell, and based on every game result, the mood shifts on which strategy is best. If they end up trading away their pending unrestricted free agents, they have two of the best players to move at this deadline, notably Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.

Related: 5 Trade Destinations for Islanders’ Kyle Palmieri

The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, will be one of the bigger buyers, with their team in the Cup conversation but in need of a few pieces. They will target a top-six forward, or at least a forward who can add scoring depth. While Nelson, an All-Star-caliber player who was on the United States roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, is the player many fans will want them to add, he’s not who they should target. Instead, Palmieri is the one who makes more sense to acquire, as he fits with their lineup.

Palmieri Fills Positional Need

Nelson is a top-six center who plays on the Islanders’ second line but can play the top line if needed. The Maple Leafs have enough centers, with Auston Matthews and John Tavares leading the top two lines. Sure, they can move Nelson to the wing, but that’s going to change how he plays and his value in the offense. He’s a skater who plays best in the center position, where he can find the back of the net from the slot but also set up scoring chances with his passing.

Palmieri plays the wing and provides a great shot to the top six. The Maple Leafs have Mitch Marner and William Nylander on the right wing already, so Palmieri can move to the left wing to play a top-six role. While his primary position is the right wing, he’s played both positions and would still provide a scoring presence and round out the top six.

Nelson’s Price Tag vs Palmieri’s Price Tag

Nelson will require a team to move at least two pieces in a return. Islanders general manager (GM) Lou Lamoriello will want an NHL-ready player and a prospect to help the team retool on the fly. If he must settle in a deal, he’ll ask for a first-round draft selection instead. Nelson is the Islanders’ most valuable trade asset, and while he’s not a star that will bring three pieces back in a deal, he’s good enough to get two pieces back in a trade.

Palmieri, on the other hand, won’t cost as much. While he’s a great player, he’s far from a star…