While we wait for the official wording regarding Brock Nelson, with The Athletic's Arthur Staple sharing that the 34-year-old will be traded, let's provide a quick standings update ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. 

After Thursday’s games, the Islanders remain just four points out of a wild-card spot. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets, currently holding the first wild card spot, fell 3-0 to the Florida Panthers.

The Detroit Red Wings are ahead of the Islanders and two spots out with 66 points, lost 4-2 to the Utah Hockey Club.

Currently, Columbus and the Ottawa Senators hold the two wild card spots with 68 and 67 points, respectively.

There are four teams ahead of the Islanders who are not in playoff spots: The New York Rangers (67 points), Red Wings (66 points), Montreal Canadiens (65 points) and the Boston Bruins (64 points).

The Philadelphia Flyers are just below the Islanders with 62 points, and they lost to the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. 

Long Island has 63 points in 61 games, with games in hand over every team but Ottawa.

The Islanders begin a three-game round trip on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.

The Montreal Canadiens, who sit two points ahead of the Islanders, are currently tied 2-2 with the Edmonton Oilers in the second period.  The outcome won't impact the Islanders' distance from the second wild-card spot. 

Brendan Yerkes contributed to this story. 

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