NHL Trade Rumors: Islanders' Preferred Target Over Palat
The New York Islanders made a strategic move this week, acquiring Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils for a cap hit of $6 million. Despite Palat's modest performance with the Devils, scoring just four goals and 10 points in 51 games, he made an immediate impact with the Islanders, contributing two points and a power play goal in his debut. However, according to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Islanders had their eyes on a different player.
In a recent podcast, Friedman revealed that the Islanders were initially targeting Michael Bunting, a top-six forward with the Nashville Predators. Bunting, a 30-year-old UFA, has been a consistent secondary scorer, amassing 12 goals and 29 points in 52 games this season. With an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million, Bunting is on track to reach 19 goals and 45 points this year, following two consecutive 19-goal seasons. His ability to consistently deliver 20-goal performances, including a remarkable 23-goal season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable middle-six winger.
As the trade deadline approaches, Bunting's availability and scoring prowess will likely spark interest from multiple teams. Meanwhile, Palat finds himself in a second-line role with the Islanders, alongside Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman, earning 14:43 of ice time in his second game. The Islanders will have the opportunity to evaluate Bunting firsthand when he and the Predators visit Long Island on Saturday night.
Photo: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
