"That said, it's reasonable to assume the Islanders are not done at the deadline. They will likely be looking to add at the NHL trade deadline. But as The Athletic's Shayna Goldman warned, now is not the time for the Islanders to target rentals. Sure, someone like Artemi Panarin landing in Long Island would hardly be something bad. But the Isles are not in a position to negotiate key futures for short-term fixes."
"Goldman made the point of targeting veterans with term or an RFA who will remain under team control beyond this season. Such trades are out there. Goldman named Jordan Kyrou as one example. But there are others out there who could fit the bill. The key for the Isles will be to upgrade the roster at every position. Islanders should target just about every position The two most recent deals are proof that the Islanders are looking for help everywhere they can find it."
Islanders sit in limbo entering the Olympic roster freeze after landing Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat, both acquired at a profit. The team likely will keep pursuing upgrades at the NHL trade deadline but should avoid rental players. Targeting veterans with remaining term or RFAs preserves team control beyond this season and aligns with a retooling timeline. The club needs improvements at several spots, including a depth center, a middle-six winger, additional bottom-six options, and another depth defenseman. Prioritizing long-term fits over short-term fixes maximizes postseason value and future competitiveness.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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