Any additions the NY Islanders make today will hinge on the first big domino falling

As we’ve seen over the past two nights, the NY Islanders are far from being clear-cut Stanley Cup contenders. The Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday and the LA Kings last night outmatched the Islanders with speed and physicality, revealing the warts within this lineup.

So with just hours to go before the trade deadline, Mathieu Darche will scour the trade market to improve this roster for the remainder of this season and over the next few.

Make a big move or stand pat?

The biggest need is a top-6 forward who can score, followed by a depth defenseman and perhaps an upgrade somewhere in the bottom-6. But the latter two hinge on the first getting done.

The Islanders have been in on the Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou sweepstakes from the start, but the St. Louis Blues are seeking a haul for either player, and the price may be too rich for Darche at this time.

There were rumors that the Islanders were involved in talks with the Vancouver Canucks for Connor Garland, but as of late last night, Garland was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are right on the Islanders' tail in the standings, trailing by three points with two games in hand.

Players like Brock Boeser and Owen Tippett are still out there, but Boeser may not be the right fit on Long Island, and the Flyers don’t really appear to be shopping Tippett, but could move the 27-year-old if an offer they can’t refuse is thrown into their lap.

At 3 pm today, we’ll know where the Islanders stand as they push towards the playoffs. If Darche doesn’t find value in what other GMs are seeking, he’ll stand pat and carry forward with the current roster and reevaluate in the summer. Something I’m sure this fan base would understand…