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New York Islanders: 3 Avoidable Trade Deadline Mistakes

By Matt O'Leary
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: (l-r) Chris and Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: (l-r) Chris and Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 20: The New York Islanders celebrate a 3-0 shut-out against the Anaheim Ducks at NYCB Live at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 20, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Do Nothing

Arguably the worst thing Lou Lamoriello can do is stay put. Yes, the Islanders are currently in first place in the Metropolitan with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference but they are a team with flaws.

They have the 24th ranked power play in the league. It’s arguably the biggest flaw with this team and watching Cal Clutterbuck get chances on the man advantage is both physically and mentally exhausting.

Looking at this roster and thinking they can win a championship is naive. Yes, they could probably win a round but anything further is a real stretch. Adding a scorer to the mix makes them a legit threat in the Eastern Conference.

Staying put because “they aren’t supposed to be there yet” is just flawed logic. You don’t control windows of opportunity and often times they close quicker than expected. Take advantage of a season that has everything breaking right and go for it.

If Tom Kuhnhackl is still playing on Mat Barzal’s wing after February 25, there’s a real issue here. It’s Lou’s responsibility to address the obvious needs of this team to propel them to contending levels.

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