FUTURE Over Short-Term: New York Islanders Trade Deadline Moves That Could DEFINE Their Rebuild

New York Islanders surge up the Metropolitan Division standings—should GM Matthew Darche buy or sell at the trade deadline? With stars Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov sidelined for the season, the team faces pivotal decisions that could reshape their future. Will younger prospects like Cal Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer anchor a new championship core, or will aging veterans such as Anders Lee and J-G Pageau remain in the mix? Gil Martin examines the Islanders' playoff ambitions, the impact of recent injuries, and trade possibilities without sacrificing draft picks or top prospects. Key topics include the performances of Bo Horvat, Maxim Tsyplakov, and the challenge of balancing immediate success with long-term excellence. The Islanders’ clash with the Anaheim Ducks looms large, as special teams and forward depth take center stage. Can this fast-improving squad become perennial Stanley Cup contenders, or risk falling back into mediocrity? All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.