3 teams that should call the Sabres for Casey Mittelstadt by the trade deadline

The Islanders need at least one more legitimate asset on offense

Few potential contenders need more help than the New York Islanders, who are currently 23rd in the league scoring-wise with just 167 goals. While no one will praise Casey Mittelstadt as a prolific goal-scorer, few in the NHL are better at finding open linemates than the 25-year-old center since his productivity surge commenced in December 2022.

Since the Islanders have little deadline cap space and they would need to make some roster moves for this trade to work, Mittelstadt’s productivity and more cost-effective price, among other variables, should make him an attractive option for New York. Plus, he will be a restricted free agent following the season, setting the stage that he could remain in Long Island for at least a few more seasons. 

While not necessarily known for his defensive capabilities, Mittelstadt also isn’t a liability when his team doesn’t have the puck. Dating back to October 2022, he has 83 takeaways, so his willingness to get a stick on the puck could disrupt the opposition's plays for a team that ranks 25th in goals allowed with 195. 

The Islanders still have an ailing power play, and Mittelstadt has been a solid puzzle piece on the Sabres man advantage over the last season-and-a-half.