The New York Islanders eye a game-changing move with Robert Thomas on their NHL trade radar. Could acquiring the St. Louis Blues’ dynamic center redefine the season and anchor the scoring depth the Islanders desperately need?
Gil Martin breaks down the pros and cons of targeting Robert Thomas versus keeping JG Pageau, weighs the value of first-round picks, and analyzes the smart AHL trade for Matt Luff to boost Bridgeport’s playoff push. Get updates on top prospects like Victor Ekland, Kashawn Aitchison, and Markus Gidlof, plus the inside story on Alan Quine’s legendary playoff heroics. With trade rumors swirling and the prospect pipeline heating up, every move could shape the Islanders’ playoff ambitions. Will management strike boldly before the deadline, or stand pat as rivals circle key targets?
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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19 Comments
No thanks on both contracts to high alot of years left and not giving up jg cole eiserman and 1st Rd pick and there salary of 8 plus million a year
Looking at Thomas's numbers, he's a great assist guy and a pretty good goal scorer.
Exactly. JGP, thank you, you were a great NYI. I agree, Good show Gil 👍
We're going to find out how savvy Darche is this trade deadline. He showed some of it when he dealt Dobson to Montreal; let's see what he can do in the next week or two.
Im so lost why the blues would even trade Luff for Gauthier… thats just crazy to me
Gil i give you credit for having a pod cast about the islanders. right now this franchise is a major JOKE. we are one of the oldest teams, the slowest and the lest talented team in the league. This team needs a complete overhaul and it is not in the mindset of these owners to make that happen. I believe this team will NEVER win a cup again. Their way of thinking is ancient. Never look into free agents, every player they draft is ripe for stardom ( so wrong). They have no eye for talent. ex: how is Mclean, Gatcomb, Shabanov, Drouin, Duclair, DeAngelo, Soucy, Palat and how and why is Casey still in the NHL…a bunch of below average players and you are talking about playoffs? Plaese
I think it was during a preseason game that Darche made a comment that one of his goals was to create a winning environment in Bridgeport in which to develop the younger prospects. In this context the trade makes sense and is a definite upgrade. You have to like the fact that the whole organization is getting molded into shape.
Thomas does not want to be traded to a team to play 3 rd line center. Unless you are trading Horvat or Barzal I don’t see Thomas being a target 🎯. Kyrou is an option but not if a bidding war happens. Since there are few centers available we are likely to get a first round pick and perhaps a little more. However I would offer JGP 3 years 5 million as you are not replacing a top faceoff specialist who kills penalties and has chemistry with Holmstrom. Obviously if he doesn’t sign you have to trade him. We will have to wait to see if Darche and Owners want to be more aggressive or to be more patient.
Kyrou is cost controlled. A 30-35 goal scorer for $8M AAV is an absolute steal. If they want Eiserman and a 1st, I do it in a heartbeat. Eklund is the only untouchable prospect. Also worth noting is that Poletin and Kvasnicka have been pleasant surprises in the WHL, so losing Eiserman for a proven goal scorer in Kyrou is a bit more stomachable.
We have a golden opportunity with Sorokin in his prime, a weak Metro division, and Matt Schaefer on his ELC. If we have an opportunity to get a player who’s a bona fide scorer, still in his prime, at a reasonable salary, it makes total sense to take advantage of this window before Schaefer and Ritchie have to get paid their big boy contracts.
No
Darche certainly has options, and I agree with you, Gil, Robert Thomas would fit well into our long‑term plan. LGI
Good 🌅, Gil. How are you? The Islanders acquired Matt Luft from St. Louis for Julien Gauthier. They both have JG Pageou's offensive prowess. Hear from later, Gil, but before I go, I'm going to ⌚ Game 6 of the 80 Finals. Now, LGI🏒🔵🟠
I wish Gauthier well. Always liked him. Speed and size . He was quite physical. Always put up points when he was called up. I'm suprised he wasn't a Roy guy.
Great show Gil. Sorryi missed. Maybe you thought I had a horrific accident 😂.
I once had a bad case of a zidlicky Hickey. Penicillin cleared it right up
As much as I like Varlamov. Is he a Carey Price? Yes I know he’s made a little progress as of late. But realistically. $2.75 cap UFA 2027
What can be done if he’s unable or uncomfortable to truly play??
Thanks for the everyday shows🤙🤙
Looking at the lineup that rosner posted, it appears duclair could be a healthy scratch, do you think maybe duclair for laine straight up could get the job done? I’d rather see duclair with 14 and 13 over palat, I think 32 should be the odd man out while palat plays 4th line with 53 and 16.
Edit: putting palat on the first line is giving me flashbacks of trotz putting uncle Leo on line 1 lol
Thomas is ok. he is not a big goal scorer. more of a passer like Barzal.His assists will be down here as there are few true snipers to pass to. Plus he took a leave of absence now with personal problems. Not interested. Rather have Kyru or someone like him who can score.
I Played Goalie so able to see a player evaluate talent on a level few if any can. Once broke my arm getting ligament dmg knew my nhl goal was unlikely so maybe could play AHL or ECHL but as goalie need a chance to get in net. NHL is definition of insanity as outside of Anayltics ca management buying CapGeek every job is related to nhl players or family. Especially GM where I would have done vastly better than HOF Rob Blake. Head Coach only Ken Hitchcock was from triple A heh. Yeah that I can make better line combos will never be given a chance. I am thinking that will give up following kockey as nobody cares what think. I would produce if given chance. NHL has people not qualified to do their jobs. Keeping them employed so wont end up missing like Matt Johnson or others. Trading for players is great. Almost every HC fails by not having best line combos including PP and PK. They are arrogant like goon gallant playing reaves in scf while tatar who traded for with like 4 goals in 2 games against caps is benched. TMac running Gabe Vilardi out of LA. Hiller losing with short bench. Really until hiring opens up to people like me the nhl will repeat same failed gms coaches over and over. I was so committed to making it as player once got injury it was tough knowing had no hope to ever get in etc.