When a new regime took over the New York Islanders, there was an immediate message sent out that they would be starting from scratch, and that all players would be available. Detroit Red Wings GM, Ty Hetherington jumped on the opportunity to acquire the younger talent the Islanders were dangling about. Their targets were 23 year-old forward Vincent Trocheck and 21 year-old defenseman Henri Jokiharju. 

To the outsiders, these would be fantastic pieces in which to build around, but to the Islanders, they wanted more than 2 pieces. The Islanders knew that to be a contending team for many years into the future, they would need many young pieces. So, the Wings and Islanders pulled off the following blockbuster trade:

To Detroit: Vincent Trocheck (23yrs, 78ov) and Henri Jokiharju (21 yrs, 78ov)

To NY Islanders: James Sheppard (35yrs, 80ov), Seth Jones (26yrs, 78ov), NYR 2027 Rnd 1, DET 2027 Rnd 1

The key pieces to the Islanders were the 1st round picks and Seth Jones. The team managed to turn 2 young pieces into 3. The side note to the trade was that James Sheppard is to be traded back to the Wings as a rental for a future 3rd round pick. The Islanders being a rebuilding team have no interest in a 35 year old star player. 

Almost immediately after acquiring Seth Jones, the Islanders were approached by the highly motivated Vegas Knights. In a quick turnaround, Seth Jones was sent to Vegas for even more futures. Here's a breakdown of the trade:

To Vegas: Seth Jones (26yrs, 78ov)

To NY Islanders:  Alexander Khovanov (20yrs, 70ov), VEG 2027 Rnd 1, SJS 2028 Rnd 2

Once again, the Islanders were converting a younger asset in Jones into more young futures. So, to break down a trade considered confusing to many observers at the time, the Islanders turned two fantastic quality young players into 6 future assets. Here's the final breakdown once Sheppard goes back to Detroit later this season:

Out: Vincent Trocheck (23yrs, 78ov) and Henri Jokiharju (21 yrs, 78ov)

In: Alexander Khovanov (20yrs, 70ov), NYR 2027 Rnd 1, DET 2027 Rnd 1, VEG 2027 Rnd 1, SJS 2028 Rnd 2, MIN 2029 Rnd 3

This would be a trade that any truly rebuilding club would never turn down. Building up a prospect base and keeping them is paramount to any successful rebuild. Many observers do not have the fortitude to go through with it, thus, when observing a trade at face value, they can't understand how it will all workout. Once the dust settles, and the magic of time inspires the career growth of all the "kids," team's like the New York Islanders will be good, and good for a long time.