At these prices, who stands pat?
As we wait for the next Islanders game, which comes after Friday’s 3 p.m. EST trade deadline, the market would appear to favor the Isles if they are willing to move their top UFAs.
Not only are teams reportedly looking for centers like Brock Nelson, who’s a 20-goal scorer like winger Kyle Palmieri, but trades thus far have included first- and or second-round picks, and the New Jersey Devils have just suffered a Jack Hughes-size hole in their lineup that creates Jack Hughes-sized cap space via LTIR since he’s out for the season.
The teams believed to be interested are numerous, including Minnesota, Toronto, Winnipeg, Colorado, Vegas and more.
Islanders News
- All quiet as of Wednesday night. Will and when will Lou be ready to sell? [Newsday]
- Or is he “still trying to hammer out an extension” with Nelson? [Athletic] (And will the available buyers dry up if he waits too long?)
On Brock Nelson: It is my understanding the #Isles will/have presented a contract offer to him. At the same time, several teams have expressed significant interest in trading for him and offers have included a 1st round pick +. TB had interest today, but pivoted for SEA deal.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 6, 2025
#Isles Kyle Palmieri: “It’s out of my control. It’s part of the business. I’ve been around long enough to be traded, had friends get traded. It’s not something you can focus on. Until someone says otherwise, I love fighting for a playoff spot with this group.”
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) March 5, 2025
Elsewhere
Wednesday’s scores included the Rangers getting a point in an OT loss to the Capitals (another Ovechkin goal to tie it), and the Senators getting a regulation win. Meanwhile, plenty of movement around the league:
- Tampa goes all in (again), dealing two protected first-round picks and more to Seattle for Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand. [ESPN]
- Quite the push by the Lightning, who will go a whole decade having drafted only two first rounders. [Sportsnet | NHL]
- The Panthers picked up Vitek Vanecek from San Jose, goalie depth after they dealt Spencer Knight in the Seth Jones trade. [ESPN]
- The Hurricanes are gauging the market for Mikko Rantanen, who turned down a big extension during the 4 Nations break. [Sportsnet]
- The Penguins sent Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators (bringing back Luke Schenn, who could be flipped) and Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks. [NHL]
- Meanwhile, Utah is extending guys: Ian Cole and Alex Kerfoot to $3M, one-year extensions and goalie Karel Vejmelka for five years. [TSN]
- And the Sabres extended Jordan Greenway for two years, $8 million. [NHL]
- Oh, and Darren Dreger, who a week ago was telling St. Louis radio hosts he couldn’t see the Leafs parting with any of their top prospects for Brayden Schenn, went far in the opposite direction yesterday:
an actual prominent insider suggesting the Leafs should trade all three of their top prospects for Brayden Schenn and then wondering if that’s even enough is straight up insanity. have some shame.
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) March 6, 2025