New York Islanders
· 2026-06-27
The New York Islanders were extremely active in trade talks during the 2026 NHL Draft, with general manager Mathieu Darche revealing his phone was buzzing with discussions.
The team attempted to move up the draft board several times, but ultimately selected defenseman Malte Gustafsson at No. 13.
Darche had discussions with several teams about potential trades, including those with no-trade clauses.
The Islanders' aggressive approach to the draft shows their commitment to improving the team, currently on a L3 streak.
The team's standing at 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 43-34 record as of June 27, 2026, highlights the need for strategic moves.
Darche will continue to be active on the phone, exploring opportunities to improve the team.
The Islanders will look to build on their current roster, with a focus on strengthening their defense.
And with the draft still underway, the team may make further moves to bolster their lineup.
But for now, the focus is on developing the players they have, including newly drafted defenseman Malte Gustafsson.
The Islanders' fans will be watching closely to see how the team's aggressive approach to the draft pays off.