Why the New York Islanders acquired Ondrej Palat and Matt Luff

Mathieu Darche has been busy throughout the season. The first move was for Carson Soucy, and then Darche traded for former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat. He followed that up by helping out the AHL squad, acquiring Matt Luff. 

Here’s a deep dive into why the rookie General Manager made those moves. 

The first move was acquiring Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick (NJ Devils) and a 2027 sixth-round pick (NJ Devils) from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov couldn’t get going with the Islanders this year as he had two points in 27 games and was a healthy scratch for most of the season. 

It was time for a fresh start for the former KHL player. For Palat, he hasn’t lived up to his contract, which is why the Devils had to pay the Islanders to take him without retaining any of his $6 million for the rest of this season and next season. Palat has been a better player for the blue and orange with three points in six games. Palat is playing on the top line with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat, and is also getting power-play time. 

Darche and Palat crossed paths with each other with the Lightning, so Darche acquired a player he is familiar with. Palat could be a good player to have around Calum Ritchie as he continues to play in NHL games. The Islanders utilized their cap space, added draft picks, and a player who is helping the team more than the player they traded away did. 

The latest move by the blue and orange was a smaller one, but could help the organization in the long run. The Islanders acquired Matt Luff in exchange for Julien Gauthier. Luff has played in five NHL games and potted one goal. In the AHL in 42 games, Luff has 39 points, which leads the team in points. In his first game with the Bridgeport Islanders, Luff netted his first goal with his new team. 

Getting a player like Luff could help develop prospects in the AHL and help the squad make a playoff spot after being one of the worst AHL teams ever last season. Darche continues to be busy helping both his NHL and AHL teams.