With October and the 2024-25 NHL season looming closer, the New York Islanders are all but set with their roster due to cap constraints.
The Islanders, who made two roster additions — Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov — hope to be playoff-bound for a third straight season and advance past the first round for the first time since 2021.
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If the Islanders stay competitive ahead of the 4 Nation Face-Off break (Feb. 10-21), there’s no question that general manager Lou Lamoriello will add to the roster ahead of or at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, scheduled for March 6.
The Islanders have parted ways with their first-round pick four out of the last five years, as Lamoriello hasn’t been afraid to pay up for impact pieces like Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Kyle Palmieri, and Bo Horvat.
If prior years are any indication, a successful Islanders team would mean using their 2025 first-round pick as a bargaining chip.
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The pick would likely be used to improve upfront, especially if the two new additions don’t produce as planned.
However, there is a possibility that the Islanders are outside of a playoff spot come March.
If the front office decides that the postseason is out of reach, fans could see a drastically different roster by March 7, with potentially more moves at or after the 2025 NHL Draft.
By giving long-term contracts to Mat Barzal, Ilya Sorokin, and Bo Horvat, Lamoriello has made it clear that rebuilding is not an option.
Selling at the deadline would mean a retool of some sort.
Brock Nelson and Palmieri will both be unrestricted free agents by the end of next season. The forwards, especially Nelson, would be desirable rentals for any contending team with cap space — even more so if the Islanders retain some salary.
Unless the two are struggling, they shouldn’t need to retain, but if so, the Islanders will get more back for them.
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Mike Reilly will also be an unrestricted free agent after next season and could fetch a decent package due to his $1.25 M cap hit and strong transition game.
If the Islanders trade Nelson and Palmieri, two-thirds of the second line and two major offensive producers will be gone.
Trading either of those two would likely also open the semi-open door to moving Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who would have one more year left when the 2025-26 campaign begins, with a cap hit of $5 million.
Trading Reilly would create a hole on the backend, and in a lost season, it would be a perfect time for the young Samuel Bolduc to get consistent work.
While it would immediately affect the team, selling would create new opportunities.
While improved since the 2024 NHL Draft, the Islanders’ prospect pool could still use a boost. Going another route by acquiring younger forwards in return would help with a quick retool.
Defense prospects Marshall Warren, Calle Odelius, and Isaiah George are gearing up for their first season with Bridgeport, along with forward Alex Jefferies, who could be a special player.
Over the last few years, there hasn’t been a clear path for young players to get roles on the NHL roster, especially in the top six.
Some players’ games aren’t suited for bottom-six roles, and that’s what’s been more available.
But openings in the top six could be coming soon, depending on how this upcoming season goes and what moves come ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline.
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