"The first was on Feb 4, at the beginning of the Olympics roster freeze, and the other at the actual trade deadline on March 7. February 4 didn't have the fireworks that were expected outside of the NY Rangers trading Artemi Panarin to the LA Kings. The NY Islanders were the most active team before the freeze, acquiring Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat, but there could soon be more moves in the making."
"Losing Kyle Palmieri for the season to a torn ACL threw a wrench into the top-six forward group, subtracting a 25+ goal scorer. This team could use another forward who can fill the net, somebody along the lines of Steven Stamkos or Jordan Kyrou. But the price tag on both these players or any goal scorer is a hefty one."
"In recent seasons, instead of seeing trades materialize close to deadline day, GMs have opted to make those deals sooner rather than later, giving new additions time to acclimate to their new home. But with the roster freeze in place, the entire league will have just 13 days to work with, meaning trades will be coming fast and furious. There are likely deals already in place, so expect the rumor mill to heat up quickly."
Expectations entering the year centered on two trade deadlines: Feb 4 (Olympics roster freeze start) and March 7 (actual deadline). The roster freeze ends at 11:59 Sunday, leaving 13 days until the March 7 deadline. The Islanders sit third in the Metropolitan Division and have roster holes after Kyle Palmieri's season-ending torn ACL removed a 25+ goal scorer. The team needs a goal-scoring forward, but top options carry hefty price tags. Division rivals and other teams will stockpile for playoff pushes. Trades are likely already arranged and will occur quickly once the freeze lifts, intensifying rumors.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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