Islanders GM Confident Amid Trade Speculation

Despite the New York Islanders' struggles this season, general manager Lou Lamoriello remains optimistic, stating that trading players like Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri is 'not even a thought' as the March 7 trade deadline approaches. Currently, the Islanders are 16-18-7, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but Lamoriello emphasizes the five-point gap to the playoff spot as a reason to stay competitive. The team recently secured a 4-0 win against the Vegas Golden Knights, showcasing their potential. Lamoriello's confidence is unwavering, even as the Islanders have the worst power play and penalty kill in the NHL. Nelson and Palmieri are both on expiring contracts and could be valuable trade assets, yet Lamoriello's focus is on the present rather than hypotheticals. As injuries have plagued the lineup, the team's recent performance may influence Lamoriello's stance as the trade deadline approaches.