Rangers Explored Potential Trade for Islanders Defenseman Adam Pelech
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders are long-standing, heated rivals — a history that has rarely allowed for trade discussions between the two teams. In fact, it’s been nearly 15 years since the two franchises last completed a trade, dating back to May 2010. 
However, Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports recently floated a bold trade idea that would send veteran defenseman Adam Pelech from the Islanders to the Rangers. The proposal:
Rangers receive: Adam Pelech
Islanders receive: Scott Morrow, 2026 second-round pick (via Hurricanes)
Shelton noted the move would significantly strengthen the Rangers’ blue line by adding a reliable, shutdown defender, in exchange for a promising young blueliner and a draft pick.
Pelech, who’s spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders, may be nearing the end of his tenure with the team. Islanders analyst Michael Stahurski (Eyes on Isles) recently listed him as a potential trade candidate as the franchise considers injecting youth into its defensive core. Pelech, 31, is under contract through the 2028–29 season with a cap hit of $5.75 million per year, stemming from his eight-year, $46 million extension signed in 2021.
Despite the appeal of acquiring a player like Pelech, the Rangers’ tight salary cap situation poses a major obstacle. With just under $778,000 in cap space (per PuckPedia), absorbing Pelech’s contract while offloading only Scott Morrow’s $916,667 cap hit would be nearly impossible without additional moves.
With the Islanders having recently won the draft lottery to secure top prospect Matthew Schaefer, questions remain about the team’s overall direction. But for now, a high-profile, cross-town deal involving Pelech still seems highly unlikely.
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