The New York Islanders face a franchise-defining NHL Draft Day with pick 13 and mounting pressure to build a long-term contender. Can GM Mathieu Darche strike the balance between retooling with youth and pushing for immediate playoff success? With glaring needs for top-six forwards, right-shot defensemen, and cap space, every trade and roster move could reshape the Islanders’ future.
The conversation focused on potential trades involving Adam Pelech, the future of Anders Lee, and others, weighing the risks of short-term playoff pushes against building sustainable success reminiscent of the Islanders’ 1980s dynasty. One concept discussed was the organization’s mixed history with the 13th overall pick, including Derek King and Dean Chynoweth, and the importance of getting this draft right. The discussion explored the contradictions in the Islanders’ current approach, free agency strategy, and fan expectations heading into a pivotal offseason. Will the Islanders finally chart a clear path back to perennial Stanley Cup contention?
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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TSN's Pierre LeBrun claims Montreal reached out to Darche, to find out if Bo Horvat is available, and Darch told them no. As much as I like Horvat, if San Jose or Vancouver came calling and offered their 2026 first round pick, plus other pieces, I would definitely move him. Time to rebuild.
Really wonder why if Sharks pass on reid why not take Malhotra as 6'2 center can play wing is probably better than 5'11 Stenberg or McKenna. All the mock drafts have Vacouver taking 3 if pass up Ivar taking Reid at 2. There a few when have Canucks taking Chase. That is used saying dad is coach as why would pass up undersized winger. Most coaches lucky if last 3 to 5 years so think its clear he only good forward or center in top 5 or 10 of 2026 draft. I see Reid Smits Carels Verhoeff Ruddolph all gone by 9th pick unless another forward is taken besides those expected. Newsday has Bjorck going 6 who I have going 30. Seems unlikely would take in top 8 over D to me. Smits only NHL ready D probably.
Cairns for bday of the day?
Wait, I don't think he played D
I’m sure Darche listened …
but he didn’t hear the words Hutson ,Suzuki or Caulfield
-what about that 13 pick in '22 draft? oops louzer fkn it away.
-HERE WE ARE. less than 24 hours until the draft as isles sit in the draft abyss. isles can't do anything. can't participate in draft trade festivites. can only sit, wait, and call out a name at 13.
-the price that must be paid for years of cap abuse and a refusal to move on from players for some futures and dealing away 4 straight firsts. THANKS fkn louzer.
-so i will sit and watch not in anticipation of anything and watch darche drag his ass up to the podium around 8 pm and calls out a name. probably the safest pick out there and calls it a day until sat. afternoon.
-maybe isles should just trade out of 13 and get some additional picks like some seconds. there is bound to be first round talent dropping into second. maybe one time top 5 talent roorbrueck will be there. roorbrueck was recently traded to guelph loading up as mem. cup host next season. acquired by george burnett who knows a thing about building winning teams and finding talent. so if burnett brought roorbrueck in to be the focal point of a mem. cup contender that says something. he will be coached up now. roorbrueck was completely mishandled in niagara by a franchise that has gone thru numerous owners, coaches, gm's and had to be under ohl 'sanctions' for violations. so roorbrueck escaping niagara could shine in guelph. could be worth a pick if isles obtain picks or are in a position to grab him.
-also possible second or third-valenti um and klepov's slick c barbanov umass recruit who can find the open guy and was second in ohl in as'sts.
-not gonna get demidov so if habs who had 13 interest last draft really want 14 give up hage, beck, engstrum, and a first or two of them plus 2 firsts. habs need a 2 c badly.
Cairns it is!
No whammies no whammies
Hey Gm, hello i am sorry to wake you up but today is the day to prove your income. I know you sleep late on Fridays but the fans really expect you to be part of the draft….Do not have a sour face, this only happens once a year, then you can go back to sleep. i must say you have learned a lot from Lou this season….. God help us!!!!!
What about the 13th overall plus pelech for the 9th overall and a 2nd rd pick
Wyatt Cullen if available or Belch. Both could be great or both depending on how the draft plays out would be great
At the end of the day all Islander fans can hope for is that John Collins gets some solid advice from his scouts before he makes the call. Collins has already demonstrated that he is not moving on any of the prospects and he is not interested in moving Pelech, Pulock, or anyone else for that matter. So after the pick is in and Collins sends Opie Farce to the podium to make the announcement, Islander business will be pretty much wrapped for the summer.😊
I keep the 13th pick & select Klepov. If he's already taken, then Cullen, Belchetz, Rudolph, Hurlbert, Bleyl. In that order.