What Would a Roster Retool Look Like for the NY Islanders?

With an aging core and a frustrating inability to close out games, the Islanders could ultimately choose a slight rebuild by the trade deadline. This is what that could realistically look like.

By Joe Lazar | Dec 6, 2023

It might have once seemed unthinkable, but Brock Nelson would bring back an intriguing return for the NY Islanders. / Joel Auerbach/GettyImages

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Conclusion: The Islanders Have Options

The point of this piece is to show that the Islanders have options, and should not just sit idly by and let this season go to waste. If the team is going to struggle, they should make the struggle count, and maximize the future benefits by: Maximizing the trade value of players like Brock Nelson, JG Pageau, Sebastian Aho, Kyle Palmieri, and others; landing a franchise cornerstone in the 2024 NHL Draft; and using Summer 2024 to supplement the core with smart, cost-effective acquisitions (or even a big landmark free agent acquisition).

With the best goaltender in the world under contract for eight years after this season, the Islanders need a plan to remain competitive. / Joel Auerbach/GettyImages

With players like Sorokin, Horvat, and Barzal signed recently to long-term deals, the Islanders cannot completely rebuild. However, following this advice and smartly retooling is the key to maximizing these stars' contracts and winning during their primes.

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