Should Wings look into trading for Islanders' Okposo?

The Detroit Red Wings are exploring trade possibilities as they seek to improve their lineup, and one intriguing name could be available from the New York Islanders.

Newsday is reporting Kyle Okposo may be a trade chip, as the Islanders seek to get something for him now rather than spend later to keep him. Okposo is entering the last season of a five-year, $14 million deal that works out to an extremely friendly cap hit of $2.8 million for 2015-16.

Okposo just turned 27 in April. He's twice topped 20 goals, and he's hit at least 18 goals in seasons when he's played at least 60 games. He's contributed 120 points over the past two seasons. He's got five goals and seven points in 13 playoff games. He brings size at 6-feet, 217 pounds, and to the benefit of a lefty lineup like the Wings, Okposo shoots right. He's a consistent scorer, solid skater and hard worker.

Durability is something of a issue. Okposo lasted the full, lockout-shortened 48-game season in 2013, but during regular 82-game seasons, he has a history of injuries. He missed 22 games last season because of a detached retina, he missed 11 games in 2013-14, and played just 38 games in 2010-11 because of shoulder surgery.

The one year left on Okposo's contract is both an upside and a downside. Getting a player of his size and skill for less than $3 million would appeal to any club. But what price should a team pay for a guy who is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer? For the Wings, this issue is especially significant because they have a slew of their own guys whose contracts are up next summer, including Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, who are potential UFAs, and restricted free agents Riley Sheahan and Danny DeKeyser. The weak Canadian dollar means no salary cap increase for the coming season, and teams can't bank on a significant increase for 2016-17.

It doesn't make sense to trade for Okposo without being able to re-sign him, and he's going to want to want a significant raise (think $5 million annually as a starting point, probably more) and a lot of term. On the other hand, Okposo is just entering the prime of his career, he's a proven scorer, and he'd add size and a right-handed shot. What it comes down to is figuring out whether Okposo is worth the risk.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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