LOS ANGELES -- The odds of the New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] drafting Matthew Schaefer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-potential-no-1-pick-matthew-schaefer-opens-up-about-grief-strength-his-mother-s-legacy] No. 1 overall and then finding a way to trade back into the first round to draft Long Island native James Hagens [https://www.theelmonters.com/p/james-hagens-2025-nhl-draft-islanders] were slim. But it wasn't zero, and a late trade on Wednesday night may have opened the door for that pipeline dream for the fan base to be a reality. Before midnight, the Buffalo Sabres parted ways with young stud forward J.J. Peterka, sending him to the Utah Mammoth. The question was, was Utah's fourth overall pick in play? It was not. Instead, the Sabres acquired Josh Doan, the son of Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, along with right-side defenseman Matthew Kesselring. Now, the Islanders and the Sabres had talked Peterka for right-side defenseman Noah Dobson. Buffalo wanted to acquire a RHD who could play alongside Owen Power. Kesselring isn't that guy, and had Utah moved the fourth overall pick to the Sabres, there was probably still dialogue to be had between Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche and Sabres Kevyn Adams. However, with the pick staying in Utah, with them needing a top-flight RHD, is there a situation in which the Islanders could send them Dobson for pick No. 4? The talk since arriving in Los Angeles has not only been that Utah is actively shopping their pick, but also the fact that Hagens could slide down to as far as No. 10, given the needs of the teams drafting prior. It wouldn't be an issue for the Islanders to draft Hagens at No. 4, but it just sounds like he will, in fact, fall on draft night. The farther Hagens does fall, the cheaper it will be to make a deal. But, an opposing team should be asking for Dobson in any deal for the Hagens pick. Keep an eye on the Boston Bruins, who select at No. 7, if Hagens falls that far. There's been dialogue between them and the Islanders. Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story. PHOTO: David Reginek-Imagn Images
