Does it make more sense for the Islanders to stand pat at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline?

If the New York Islanders are going to add at this year's trade deadline, their cap situation doesn't allow for a whole lot, with just $1.3 million after defenseman Robert Bortuzzo gets activated out of long-term injured reserve. 

A depth piece like acquiring San Jose Sharks pending unrestricted free agent forward Anthony Duclair ($3 million) makes sense, given the need for speed under Patrick Roy. 

With defenseman Scott Mayfield out indefinitely, despite having Samuel Bolduc and Bortuzzo as options, acquiring a mobile defender like Nashville Predators' pending UFA Tyson Barrie ($4.5 million) could be enticing.

But if the Islanders don't add, is that the worst thing?

Since Islanders head coach Patrick Roy elected to make major line configuration changes, the club has yet to lose, going 4-0-0 and outscoring opponents 17-8. 

The Islanders are now within striking distance of the Philadelphia Flyers, who are in third place in the Metropolitan Division by four points, with New York playing two fewer games. 

“[The team] said that they’re playing the way they’re capable of playing right now. We’ll have to continue to do that," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said on Tuesday morning. "As far as adding, if you can, you do. Are we thinking about subtracting? Absolutely not.”

By the way, the Flyers have started selling, moving defenseman Sean Walker to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, and could move more pieces. 

If Lamoriello believes that the Flyers are going to falter and the Islanders can keep this up, does he want to interfere with what Roy is cooking?

The power play over these last four games is 2-for-9 (22 percent), while the league-worst penalty kill has been strong, killing off five of their last six (83.3 percent).

All four lines have done well since the changes, and bringing in a forward may interfere with what New York is building. 

The defense looks strong as well and is truly grasping the activation Roy is asking for. 

Right now, the Islanders might make one lineup change: Matt Martin coming out to give that line more speed. 

But they don't need to find a player to replace No. 17. Bottom-six winger Hudson Fasching was just activated out of long-term injured reserve and likely made the trip out west, with New York embarking on a four-game road trip,

Teams should always add depth, especially Stanley Cup favorites. But given that the Islanders are likely a few pieces away, this current roster is undoubtedly good enough to make the playoffs and go on a run.

But with the playoffs still a question mark, given how the team is playing right now, is it worth losing assets to make a depth tweak?

The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is on Friday at 3 PM ET. 

TOP STORIES