Darche Toeing A Thin Deadline
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is two weeks away, and the New York Islanders have the assets to bolster their squad for the stretch run. But should they use those assets?
EAST MEADOW, NY — The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is two weeks away, and the New York Islanders have the power — and the assets — to bolster their squad for the stretch run.
But the biggest question is: Should the Islanders go all-in at this trade deadline?
Patrick Roy’s team entered the break in a good spot, four points up on the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
However, in a league with so much parity and so little margin for error, the Islanders’ making the playoffs is anything but a done deal with 24 games to go and a ruthless schedule ahead.
First-year general manager Mathieu Darche’s mindset ahead of the deadline is unclear regarding how far he’s willing to go with this group.
His additions of Ondrej Palat and Carson Soucy don’t necessarily signal that he’s ready to go all-in. Those moves were made to stabilize a lineup dealing with injuries. The Islanders had been actively searching for a veteran, minute-eating blueliner since losing Alexander Romanov. Soucy wanted to stay local, and the fact that he could take minutes — specifically penalty-kill minutes — away from the likes of Matthew Schaefer and Adam Pelech created a perfect storm.
From what I was told, the Islanders had been talking with the Devils prior to pulling the trigger on the Palat deal. There was also interest in Nashville Predators forward Michael Bunting, but that fell through. Darche knows Palat well from their Tampa Bay Lightning days, and despite struggling in New Jersey, the veteran forward has always been a big-game player — especially in the postseason. The Islanders are hoping that version of Palat is still there.
But those two moves, one way or another, don’t dictate what comes next.
Darche, as a first-time general manager with assets and cap space — $6.02 million in available space due to unused Long-Term Injured Reserve money — makes this deadline intriguing.
Much as was the case around the 2025 NHL Draft, other general managers may try to use his lack of experience against him. But what other GMs — and fans, for that matter — need to understand is that Darche was heavily involved in trade meetings and cap discussions while working as Julien BriseBois’ assistant. He doesn’t lack experience. He just lacked the fancy job title.
Trying to get inside Darche’s mind ahead of March 6 is impossible. But we do know a few things that help answer some key questions.
No. 1: The goal is to make the playoffs. There won’t be a sell-off.
No. 2: First-round picks and top prospects won’t be traded for aging players.
I’ve always believed there’s no benefit to missing the playoffs, but it’s hard to say that with a straight face after the Islanders moved up 10 spots and, with 3.5 percent odds, won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery to select generational talent Matthew Schaefer first overall.
Still, making the playoffs and getting Schaefer, Calum Ritchie, Maxim Shabanov, and other young players that experience is massive. For the veterans, getting back into the postseason after missing last year would also be significant from a mental standpoint — regardless of how long the run lasts.
That combination is only positive when it comes to attracting free agents. Yes, even after back-to-back Eastern Conference Final appearances in 2020 and 2021, the Islanders didn’t land a big fish in free agency. However, if anyone can change that narrative, it’s Schaefer.
Who wouldn’t want to play with him?
When it comes to pending unrestricted free agents Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, I’ve been consistent in my belief that neither will be moved. That doesn’t guarantee extensions, but a playoff-hopeful team isn’t trading its captain or its best shutdown, all-situations centerman.
As for Pageau, I’m sure the asking price would be a first-round pick — if available. If the Islanders were truly looking to move him, I could see the actual return end up being two second-round picks — similar to what the Vancouver Canucks received for Kiefer Sherwood in their trade with the San Jose Sharks. Then again, Pageau is a center and likely one of the top two available at the position — the other being Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck — so a bidding war could drive up the price.
Analytically, this Islanders team isn’t one player away from being an on-paper Stanley Cup contender. Then again, had they found a way to win in 2020 or 2021, they wouldn’t have been labeled that either. It’s a cliché fans hate, but get to the dance, and you never know what can happen.
That doesn’t mean overpay to punch your ticket.
Would it be more effective for Darche to take on bad short-term contracts in exchange for draft picks? Maybe even acquire a 2026 second-round pick, given that they don’t currently have one after attaching it to the Josh Bailey trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on Day 2 of the 2022 NHL Draft?
Could Darche also look to move a contract or two off the books if he believes certain players are locked up longer than he’d prefer — especially with prospects like Victor Eklund (2025, No. 16) potentially pushing for roster spots as soon as next season?
These are intriguing times in Islanders’ land.
https://www.nhltraderumor.com/new-york-islanders-jordan-kyrou-trade-rumors/
Some of this article is nonsense! I do believe the Blues would make the deal for Aitcheson and a first round pick. They would also take one of our short term rejects to even out the salary situation. Question is will Kyrou break through on the Island? Can he be better than he was in St. Louis. And ultimately do you want to give a young defender of Aitcheson type up. It all comes down to what Darche thinks about Kyrou ? Honestly I trust the dude everything he has touched has turned to gold. To me I don’t do it. Pelech aging gracefully, but still aging. Romanov huge question on health. George fine and a great prospect. Stick with the plan.
I wouldn’t move any of the top forward prospects! Their potential is too high. I think Darche will be looking around at RHD at Trade Deadline and during offseason. Any RHD would have to fit into future plans, and be an all around D-Man. 1st Rounder and surplus on LHD might be enough to get something done. He will also potentially look to move off some underperforming players if there is an opportunity. More than likely not much will happen at the trade deadline. Darche will stick with the plan, and I think it’s an excellent one. Stay the course and add the NCAA guys Eiserman and Nelson this year. If we make it great if we don’t fine.