November 27, 2024 | 3:55pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

COULD ISLES EXPLORE MARKET ON NELSON, PALMIERI

Brock Nelson, forward

The New York Islanders are two points back of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, despite a 8-9-5 record in 22 games.

After coughing up another third-period loss on Monday, the Isles have now given up 37 goals this season after the second period. As concerns mount over their lack of consistency, even with the understanding of injuries to Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair up front and Adam Pelech on the blueline, teams may begin to target a pair of their veteran forwards if the Isles aren’t able to gain significant ground on a playoff spot this season.

During Wednesday’s edition of “The Latest” on TFP, host Kate Pettersen wondered if forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri generate interest from other clubs this season.

According to David Pagnotta, a move involving either player is not near, but both could be in play in the second half of the season if the Isles continue to struggle.

“They’re both on expiring contracts. They also have 16-team no trade clauses in each of their deals,” Pagnotta explained. “Now my understanding is – and depending who you talk to, because it’s really tough to get stuff out of the Island with (GM Lou Lamoriello) – but I don’t believe they’ve had any serious negotiations yet on contract extensions with either player.

“(The Islanders) may wait to see how this kind of plays out before they explore that option and they’re likely to wait until they explore any trade possibilities, but there are teams that are looking to upgrade themselves offensively later in the season and both of these guys are going to be targets.”

Nelson, who has eight goals on the season, comes with a $6 million salary cap hit, while Palmieri, who currently leads the team in goals (10) and points (19), owns a $5 million cap hit.

Pagnotta noted a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs could have interest in Nelson to bolster their centre position, though other clubs will surely pursue him if he becomes available.

“This isn’t anything imminent,” Pagnotta said, “but both of these guys, the Islanders are on the outside looking in, they’re going to be on the radars of a few clubs.”

Trading either player, or both, should pull in a solid return for the Islanders if Lamoriello goes down that path, but as Dennis Bernstein noted, the team wants to properly understand what they have in front of them this season before making any major moves, especially subtractions.

“Here’s the thing... What are the Islanders? Are they pretenders,” Bernstein asked. “If you’re gonna trade these two players, you’re saying, ‘okay, we’re not a playoff team, we’re selling the farm, it’s time to rebuild,’ right? I’m not sure they’re ready to do that.”