The New York Islanders are heading into the final stretch of the season with momentum, holding onto a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. With the trade deadline looming on March 6, there's plenty of chatter about potential moves.
GM Mathieu Darche Poised for Action
General Manager Mathieu Darche has already made waves by acquiring defenseman Carson Soucy and two-time Stanley Cup champion Ondrej Palat in January. Darche has openly stated he's willing to trade one of the Islanders’ two 2026 first-round picks if the right opportunity arises to strengthen the team.
Veteran center Jean-Gabriel Pageau is at the center of trade rumors as teams seek a dependable, face-off-winning forward for their bottom six. Despite the buzz, Pageau remains focused, expressing confidence in the Islanders’ chemistry and hinting at “something special” brewing as they eye the playoffs.
Olympians Back in Action
With the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics concluded, the Islanders are welcoming back their international stars. Bo Horvat returns with a silver medal from Team Canada, and Ondrej Palat is back from representing Czechia. Head coach Patrick Roy is using recent practices to finalize his forward lines for what he dubs the “third period” of the season.
Prospects Making Waves
Quinn Finley is turning heads in the NCAA with an impressive point streak for Wisconsin. Meanwhile, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, continues to shine and is a leading contender for the Calder Trophy.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
The Islanders face a grueling schedule post-Olympics, with many games on the road testing their endurance. They kick off with a two-game road trip against the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets before returning home to face the Florida Panthers at UBS Arena. After that, they embark on a demanding three-game road trip through California.
The Islanders are gearing up for a critical phase in their season, balancing trade possibilities and a tough schedule as they push towards the playoffs.