As the trade deadline looms, the New York Islanders find themselves positioned as potential sellers. While there’s time for things to change, general manager Lou Lamoriello should prioritize reshaping the roster, regardless of the team’s short-term fortunes. The Islanders are burdened by several veterans with long-term contracts, and moving some of these deals is as critical as securing wins in January and February if the franchise hopes to contend in the near future.
Veteran forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, both unrestricted free agents this summer, are likely to attract interest from contending teams. Trading them could yield valuable future assets. The Islanders need to prioritize youth and salary cap flexibility, especially with restricted free agents like Noah Dobson, Alex Romanov, Maxim Tsyplakov, and Simon Holmstrom requiring new contracts. Unrestricted free agent Hudson Fasching also adds to Lamoriello’s to-do list this summer.
Anders Lee and JG Pageau, meanwhile, remain under contract for another year, combining for $12 million against the cap. These deals limit Lamoriello’s flexibility, as do the lengthy and expensive contracts of defensemen Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, who have seen their production decline. Both are signed through 2029 and 2030, respectively, with significant salary commitments.
Given the emergence of Isaiah George and the injury concerns surrounding Pulock and Pelech, the Islanders should strongly consider moving one of these contracts at the deadline or in the offseason. Although both players, at age 30, still have productive years ahead, their no-trade clauses present a hurdle. Each would need to approve any trade, potentially complicating deals with less desirable destinations.
