BREAKING: Islanders Fans DIVIDED―Will New York Islanders PUSH for the Cup or SELL Vets?

The New York Islanders hover between contender and retool as injuries and inconsistency cloud their playoff hopes. With Bo Horvat, Alexander Romanov, and Kyle Palmieri sidelined, Gil Martin analyzes whether this Islanders roster has the firepower and depth to make a legitimate Stanley Cup push or if it’s time for a strategic sell-off at the trade deadline.

Key storylines include disappointing showings against the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres, standout efforts from Mark Gatcomb and Emil Heineman, and the polarizing debate among fans: push for additions or build for the future by moving veterans like Anders Lee and JG Pageau. Gil Martin breaks down power play struggles, defensive lapses, and the leadership challenge facing a veteran core. Plus, recall the legacy of Stefan Persson during the Islanders’ dynasty years. Can the current squad recapture elite status, or is a true rebuild on the horizon?

All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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5 comments

  2. If they are only going to play with 3 top 4 quality defenseman then they will have no shot even if they make the playoffs. I can live with Deangelo as a 5/6 as he can Qb PP. However Mayfield (Yes I have MDS) is in his 12th season and regularly makes mistakes/takes penalties that cost them games. And the missing Romanov continues to be filled by a revolving door of AHL guys and Boqvist. That’s not sustainable so if they don’t have a way to remedy the need for at least 1 and preferably 2 defenseman then start preparing for the future. I prefer being creative and try to compete but not at the expense of giving away draft picks and young players. I would def trade Tysplakov for help on the backline

  3. No do not trade Tsyplakov. Yes, trade the vets and hope we can bring back as many first round 2026 picks as possible in the process. I would see if Vancouver, Chicago, and Seattle would be interested in Barzal for one of their own first round picks, being that both Vancouver and Chicago have two first round picks in 2026. Maybe Barzal would waive his NTC to go closer to home (British Columbia) and play for the Kraken. Didn't he play junior hockey in Spokane? That would give us 3 first round picks. Somebody has to come a calling for Pageau and his services. Let's see how well Hughes plays coming back from a severe hand injury. I don't like how Lee plays hard every time his contract is up for renewal. Same thing with Nelson when he was here. Neither are consistent. Notice nelson didn't give Colorado what they needed in last season's playoffs. Buffalo has won five in a row since changing GM's. For how long is Horvat out? We obviously miss his scoring.

  4. DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS TEAM REALISTICALLY CAN CONTEND FOR A CUP? MY PREDICTION IS THAT THEY COULD WIN THEIR DIVISION AND ARE ONE AND DONE IN1ST RD OR THEY COULD ALSO FALL OUT OF PLAYOFF CONTENTION ALTOGETHER GIVEN THE DIFFERENCE IN POINTS FROM 1ST TO LAST RIGHT NOW

  5. I have a lot of confidence in Darche. The moves he's made so far have paid off. We're a little up and down now, but there's a good feeling going on. Roy has his coaches and the talent for his system, but I'm concerned with the effort. They miss Horvat's leadership and great all-around play.

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