New York Islanders Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Ready to Deal, Olympians Return and More – The Hockey Writers – New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are coming out of the NHL Olympic break holding a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. With the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, there is plenty of buzz surrounding the team.

GM Mathieu Darche Ready to Deal

General Manager Mathieu Darche has already been aggressive, picking up defenseman Carson Soucy and two-time Stanley Cup champion Ondrej Palat in late January. Darche recently went on the record stating he is absolutely open to trading one of the Islanders’ two 2026 first-round picks if the right deal comes along to improve the roster.

Veteran center Jean-Gabriel Pageau is once again the subject of heavy trade speculation as teams look for a reliable, face-off-winning bottom-six forward. Despite the rumors, Pageau recently told the press that he is ignoring the noise, stating there is “something special” brewing in the Islanders’ locker room as they push for the playoffs.

Olympians Returning to the Ice

With the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics wrapping up, the Islanders are welcoming back their international stars. Bo Horvat returns after winning a silver medal with Team Canada, and Ondrej Palat returns from his run with Czechia. Head coach Patrick Roy has been using the last few practices to finalize his forward lines for what he calls the “third period” of the season.

Prospects Turning Heads

Quinn Finley is making headlines in the NCAA with a hot point streak for Wisconsin, while last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, continues to draw massive praise and is currently a front-runner for the Calder Trophy.

Schedule Outlook

The Islanders are diving right into the deep end post-Olympics. Their schedule over the next two weeks is heavily road-based and will test their stamina. They open with a quick two-game road trip against the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets before returning to UBS Arena for a tough matchup against the Florida Panthers. Immediately following that home game, they pack their bags for a taxing three-game California road swing.

Islanders Upcoming Schedule

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