In the 2025-2026 NHL season, the New York Islanders exceeded the expectations of most fans. After selecting number one in the NHL Draft, the Islanders were expected to be in the midst of a retool.

Despite having forward Bryan Rust rejoin the lineup, the Pittsburgh Penguins suffered a rollicking 5-4 loss in overtime to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. on Tuesday. The result cluttered up the competition for second place in the Metropolitan Division.

The New York Islanders have already made a few trades this season, and it doesn't look like they're done ahead of the March 6 deadline.

While the Rangers are retooling, the Islanders are building to be a competitive group in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On Tuesday, the team went out and acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils, adding some veteran scoring.

Martin Fehervary and Anthony Beauvillier scored 31 seconds apart in the second period, and the Washington Capitals beat the New York Islanders 4-1.

Islanders GM Mathieu Darche should make another big trade before the Olympic break, bringing in Robert Thomas.

New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche made two notable trades this week, adding Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat from rivals.