New York Islanders Trading for Ryan O’Reilly (Rumor)

With the loss of John Tavares Maple Leafs, the New York Islanders need a second line center. And Ryan O’Reilly might just do the trick.

Now that John Tavares has gone back home to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Islanders have a big hole to fill at center. Mathew Barzal can immediately take the 1-C position. But behind him in the depth chart are a number of not so good options.

After Barzal comes Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas as bonafide centers. Neither should be entrusted with second-line responsibilities. At best Cizikas is a third line center, while Brock Nelson should in no way be playing down the middle.

Looking at free agency there’s also very little at the center…