The New York Islanders were riding high not long ago. A 6-1 road trip in early November had them looking like one of the league’s early surprises - second place in the Eastern Conference, playing with confidence, and showing the kind of road toughness that playoff teams are built on.
But in the NHL, momentum can be fragile. And for the Isles, it didn’t take long for things to unravel.
The turning point? Injuries - and not just minor ones.
The absence of defenseman Alexander Romanov has left a noticeable void on the blue line. He’s the kind of player whose impact doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet but is felt in structure, puck movement, and defensive stability.
Without him, the Islanders have struggled to maintain their defensive identity.
Then came the gut punch: Kyle Palmieri’s torn ACL. A season-ending injury to one of their most experienced wingers - a player who brings scoring touch, veteran leadership, and power-play presence - is the kind of blow that forces a team to rethink its trajectory.
Now, General Manager Mahieu Darche finds himself walking a tightrope. According to reporting from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Darche isn’t looking to make any panic moves.
He’s not about to mortgage the future for a short-term fix - and that’s the right mindset. The Islanders may be hurting, but the long-term health of the roster still matters.
Friedman noted that Darche could explore low-cost depth options - think fourth- or fifth-round picks for a player who’s been a healthy scratch elsewhere. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical.
The idea is to patch holes without creating bigger ones down the road. In other words, don’t make a move you’ll regret in five years just to survive the next five weeks.
That approach makes sense, especially given the current state of the roster. Center JG Pageau is out week-to-week but is expected back before the holiday break.
Still, between his absence, Palmieri’s injury, and the lack of defensive depth without Romanov, the Islanders’ lineup has been stretched thin - and it’s showing. Their depth has been tested, and right now, they’re not passing that test.
Coming into the season, the Islanders were widely viewed as potential sellers - a team in transition, perhaps looking to retool around younger pieces. But injuries have complicated that picture. Now, instead of selling from a position of strength, they may be forced to buy just to stay afloat.
There’s also the bigger picture to consider. Trading veterans like JG Pageau and Anders Lee before the NHL trade deadline in March could still be on the table.
Both players have value, and moving them could bring back mid-round picks - the kind of currency that helps restock the pipeline and build organizational depth. With Palmieri out and Pageau’s status uncertain, the Isles may need to get creative if they want to stay competitive while also keeping an eye on the future.
Bottom line: This is a critical stretch for the Islanders. The early-season success showed what this group is capable of when healthy. But now, with key pieces sidelined, the front office is being challenged to thread the needle between staying competitive and not overcommitting to a roster that may not be built for a deep run.
Darche seems to understand that. He’s not chasing headlines - he’s looking for smart, sustainable solutions. And in a season that’s already taken some unexpected turns, that kind of steady hand might be exactly what the Islanders need.