Islanders trade deadline: Three possible outcomes

The NHL trade deadline is upon us. And while a number of trades have already been made within the NHL, the New York Islanders haven't done anything yet.

So, with the clock winding down on any possible transactions, what will the Islanders do with the remaining time before the deadline expires? Here's a look at the three options ahead of them and what each means.

New York Islanders trade deadline: three possible outcomes

Stand Pat
If you're an Islanders fan of a certain vintage Stand Pat is an old friend. But doing nothing at the deadline is something we haven't seen for a few years. In 2020 the Isles brought in Andy Greene and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. In 2021, it was Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac, and defenseman Braydon Coburn.

But the Isles are in a different situation now. They aren't contenders. They aren't even a playoff team. So adding isn't in the cards. And selling might not be either. This is a good group that appeared in back-to-back conference finals they just a few tweaks.

So while it's possible that nothing happens today. Expect moves to be made the second the season is over.

Light Sell-off
The Isles don't have much they want to part with. Even when it comes to the UFAs on the team it seems like the Islanders want to keep them. But that doesn't mean at least one of them won't go.

I fully expect Cal Clutterbuck to be traded at the deadline. Not because the Isles don't like him but because there will interest in him at the deadline.

That doesn't mean he can't come back when the season resumes. Clutterbuck could easily be a pure rental for the Isles. With Martin and Cizikas getting multiyear extensions it stands to reason the Isles want to give one to Clutterbuck as well.

A light sell-off wouldn't signal more than standing pat does. This would simply mean the Isles are forcing themselves to take advantage of the market, even if they don't want to per se.

Decent Sell-Off
We aren't going to see a full sell. If that was the cased pieces would have already started being sold off a few weeks ago. But there's a possibility that the Islanders try to take full advantage of the frenzy of trade deadline day.

We've already seen guys like Ben Chiarot get incredible returns so why not get in on the frenzy? Scott Mayfield and Semyon Varlamov would net a great return for the Isles as they try to retool for 2022-23.

If we see these types of deals get done, the Isles will be adding some good pieces to make bigger moves in the offseason to acquire either a top-four D or a top-line winger.