Islanders clock is running out for pre-expansion draft trade

The New York Islanders must submit their protected lists to the NHL and NHLPA on Saturday, July 17. But just before that, NHL rosters will be frozen and teams won’t be able to trade or send players through waivers.

As we know, the New York Islanders are trying to move cap space before the rosters are frozen to prevent losing a player for free to the Seattle Kraken via expansion but they’ve only got 24 hours to do so.

New York Islanders clock is running out for pre-expansion draft trade

Now, if there’s anything we know about Lou Lamoriello is that he likes to take his time. “If you have time, take it.” Right? With that being said we shouldn’t expect any rushed moves. He’ll take the time he needs to do what he can and for the return that he wants.

Lou has until 3 PM on Saturday to make any trades or place players on waivers before the rosters are frozen leading up to protection lists being submitted at 5 PM on Saturday.

The trade/waiver freeze will be lifted on July 22. A day before the opening day of the NHL Entry Draft.

But, look time is certainly running out for Lou.

We know that Jordan Eberle and Nick Leddy are on the Islanders trade block. It’s possible that both are exposed in the expansion draft. We know Nick Leddy will be exposed to Seattle. And it’s growing increasingly likely that they take the Isles veteran offensive defenseman.

Of course, shedding his $5.5 million cap hit will be welcomed, but doing so for free rather than bringing in, even a third-round pick, would be a loss. And Lou Lamoriello is trying to avoid that. But, as I said, he’s running out of time.

But would it surprise you to see an announcement of a trade or move later this afternoon? There isn’t anything more Lou Lamoriello than making a move late on Friday when most of us have turned our attention to the weekend.