Islanders laying the groundwork for strong playoff push

"The last 48 hours or so have been interesting for the New York Islanders. The Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat trades have been shrewd moves by Mathieu Darche insofar as taking advantage of other teams' tough spots, while spurring the current core to keep pushing. Getting two depth pieces for practically nothing, in fact, actually gaining a sixth-round draft pick, is a pretty good example of how effective general managing."

"If you run down the typical playoff contender's checklist, the Islanders tick off all the boxes. A first-line center? Check. Bo Horvat. Top-six scoring threats? Check. Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, and Anders Lee. Second-line center? Check. Barzal or JG Pageau. Top-pairing blueliner? Check. Alexander Romanov (though he's still mending). Shutdown defensemen? Double check. Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. Starting goalie? Check that, too. Ilya Sorokin."

"That's why the focus on this trade deadline season is to bolster the club's current depth. Unless an unbelievable trade landed on the Islanders' laps, there's really no sense in pushing it. Are Islanders done making trades this season? The short answer is no. The Islanders are not likely done adding. Darche surely has a wishlist that most likely includes another top-six winger and potentially another solid defensive option. Perhaps a middle-six center might tickle the team's fancy."

Mathieu Darche acquired Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat, gaining two depth pieces and a sixth-round pick for minimal cost. The roster moves prioritize depth to prepare for a strong playoff push rather than pursuing a blockbuster acquisition. The core already fills key contender roles: Bo Horvat at first-line center; Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, and Anders Lee as scoring options; JG Pageau as a secondary center choice; Alexander Romanov and a top defense pairing of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock; and Ilya Sorokin in goal. Further additions may target a top-six winger, another defense option, or a middle-six center.

Read at Eyes On Isles