Isaiah George Talk On Hockey Night in New York The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/]have had a miserable 2024 portion of their season. But, contrary to popular belief, there have been a few positives. PENDING UFAS COLLECTIVELY PERFORMING The worst thing that could have happened in a "lost" season was to see their pending unrestricted forwards struggle mightily. While Brock Nelson has gone scoreless in 15 straight games, he performed quite well in the early going and should be a top name at this season's trade deadline. Kyle Palmieri, who has been one of the best players since Patrick Roy took over last season, will also be a top-five name available on the trade market. Between the two, if the Islanders sell -- not selling would be asset mismanagement -- the Islanders should be able to garner a few first and second-round picks, along with prospects. LEE & PAGEAU RESURGENCE After last season, it seemed that Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau were contracts the Islanders would have to sit on, given their substantial drop in value. But, to everyone's surprise, these two have been the Islanders' most consistent players this season. Lee leads the team in goals (15) and points (30) and is on pace for one of his best NHL seasons at the age of 34. Pageau, who only had 11 goals in 82 games last season, has nine in 36 games and is on pace for the best point season of his career at age 32. He's also won 59.5% of his face-offs, which would be the best mark of his career. Lee and Pageau, who are paid $7 million and $5 million, respectively, have one more season left on their deals. Because of their uptick, both have become positive assets if the Islanders elect to move them. If not, and these two aren't just having anomaly seasons, they could play supporting roles in a turnaround next season as long as the team improves in other areas. EMERGENCE OF ISAIAH GEORGE The NHL is a league of opportunities, and the 20-year-old Isaiah George has taken complete advantage. Yes, he jumps in on the rush too much and gets caught quite a bit, but he'll learn. He's a quick learner, and because of that, he is likely to stick on the Islanders' blue line from here on out. In a salary-cap world, having a mobile, defensive-minded, smart blueliner at $838,000 is so clutch for a team in cap hell. George has five points (one goal, four assists) in 24 games this season, currently skating alongside Scott Mayfield. PROMISE OF TSYPLAKOV The 26-year-old Maxim Tsyplakov was a major question mark when he signed a one-year entry-level deal with the Islanders after a breakout season in the KHL. Through his first 38 games, he has seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points, with his seven even-strength goals and 17 even-strength points second amongst rookies. Like George, Tsyplakov has his flaws, taking too many penalties and not driving the net as much, but his physical game, strong IQ, fast thinking, and shot make him a legitimate top-six threat when he's on the ice. He's an expiring RFA with arbitration rights, and the Islanders have options. They could sign him to a bridge deal, ink him to a longer-term deal, or trade him if they feel he's garnered enough value and isn't part of their future plans. The latter is extremely unlikely.
