The New York Islanders have a franchise defenseman in Matthew Schaefer. They also have quite a few prospect left handed defensemen in Isaiah George, Marshall Warren, and Jesse Pulkkinen. When you look at the right handed defenseman the cupboard is pretty empty. With Schaefer already showing he’s one of the best defensemen in the NHL should the Islanders add a proper partner next to him?

Over the summer I suggested that the squad should try and get Simon Nemec and they did, but it didn’t end up working in their favor. Here are a few other defensemen that the Islanders can try and get around the NHL. 

David Jiricek

Jiricek was a former top-10 pick, but hasn’t been consistent in the NHL. He was traded from Columbus to Minnesota for four draft picks including a first round pick. This season he has played in 12 and registered no points. Jiricek also spent time in the AHL with the Iowa Wild and had two points in five games.

If he doesn’t crack the lineup consistently he could be a player the Islanders try to pry from the Wild.

Logan Mailloux

Many thought Mailloux would be a part of the return for Noah Dobson, instead the blue and orange chose Emil Heineman which has worked out so far. Mailloux was shipped out of Montreal to St Louis for Zach Bolduc. 

Mailloux entered the league with problems which is why teams passed on him, but has grown from that as he’s entered the league. He would get more ice time with the Islanders and could be a nice fit next to Schaefer.

Jack Thompson

Thompson was originally a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization before he was moved to San Jose. Thompson hasn’t played any NHL games with the Sharks this season but in his 31 games played last season he had 10 points and seemed to find a role as a middle pairing defensemen. 

Thompson would cost the least out of these names but could be given the chance to prove that he deserves to be in the NHL full time with a chance from the Islanders.Â