The New York Islanders have been hovering around the playoff bubble for years, but after Monday’s 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers—leaving them five points out with 22 games remaining—general manager Lou Lamoriello appears ready to make moves. With the trade deadline approaching on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, Lamoriello holds two valuable trade chips in pending free-agent forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Islanders are now actively listening to offers.
“What I can tell you, after speaking to sources across the league, is that the Islanders have engaged in trade talks involving some of their players, including Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri,” Pagnotta reported. “Those discussions started earlier today and will continue throughout the week. Monday’s loss essentially solidifies them as sellers, and they’ll keep exploring trade options. There has also been interest in Jean-Gabriel Pageau.”
The Islanders face Winnipeg on Tuesday, but Pagnotta suggests the outcome is unlikely to impact their trade approach.
Several teams—including the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs—are reportedly interested in Nelson, who carries a $6 million cap hit. Meanwhile, Palmieri, a tenacious winger with a $5 million cap hit, has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Kings.
“Trade talks formally began Monday, and they will continue throughout the week,” Pagnotta added. “Expect something to happen with the Islanders before the deadline.”
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