One of the most significant conversations amongst the New York Islanders fan base ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is about ownership.
Fans are intrigued to see how much pressure ownership will put on general manager Lou Lamoriello to do the right thing for the franchise.
Let me let you in on a little secret.
Ownership isn't pressuring Lamoriello at all. Ownership has no say in how this trade deadline will go.
When majority owner Scott Malkin hired Lamoriello in 2018, he was given the keys to the team. Since then, it has been Lamoriello's team, and that hasn't changed.
Lamoriello will do what Lamoriello thinks is best, not what Malkin thinks is best.
You may be sitting here thinking," But, Malkin does have the final say, right?"
There's no final say.
I'd be shocked if Lamoriello even speaks with Malkin before the clock strikes 3 PM ET on Friday.
That's how it is on Long Island.
I think it's important that fans understand this because many bloggers and fans think ownership has to take a stand against the "evil empire," lay down the hammer, and put the franchise in the best possible position.
I mean, that's part of an owner's job, right?
Sure, but part of being an owner is also letting the person he chose run the franchise. Things don't usually work out when owners get too involved in hockey operations.
That's not to say that Malkin should be silent. But, even if he were to speak with Lamoriello and give his thoughts, the final say would be given to Lamoriello.
So, whatever happens with Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri and any other Islander players at this year's trade deadline, it's Lou and Lou alone calling the shots.
That's how it's been since 2018 and that's how it will be on March 7.
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