The New York Islanders have historically been a gritty, defensively sound team focused on structure and resilience. However, if they want to transform that toughness into a Stanley Cup run and compete for the Presidents’ Trophy (the NHL’s top regular-season trophy), they’ll need to add great skill to their lineup. With a core that includes Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Ilya Sorokin, the Isles are just one or two important additions away from joining the NHL’s top.
Here are three massive moves that may propel the New York Islanders into real Stanley Cup contenders.
1. Trade for Mitch Marner (RW, Toronto Maple Leafs).
The proposed package includes Oliver Wahlstrom, Samuel Bolduc, a 2025 first-round selection, and a conditional 2026 second-round pick.
Mitch Marner is a game-changing winger with exceptional playmaking vision. Though the Leafs are openly devoted to their core, they may explore changing things up after years of postseason disappointment. Marner would immediately boost the Islanders’ attack, giving Barzal a legitimate scoring partner and revitalizing the power play. While the price is considerable, the Isles have long lacked top-tier scoring talent. With Marner in the mix, New York would have one of the league’s most dangerous top lines and a potent playoff lineup.
1. Trade for Mitch Marner (RW, Toronto Maple Leafs).
The proposed package includes Oliver Wahlstrom, Samuel Bolduc, a 2025 first-round selection, and a conditional 2026 second-round pick.
Mitch Marner is a game-changing winger with exceptional playmaking vision. Though the Leafs are openly devoted to their core, they may explore changing things up after years of postseason disappointment. Marner would immediately boost the Islanders’ attack, giving Barzal a legitimate scoring partner and revitalizing the power play. While the price is considerable, the Isles have long lacked top-tier scoring talent. With Marner in the mix, New York would have one of the league’s most dangerous top lines and a potent playoff lineup.
3. Land Elias Lindholm (C; UFA Rights, Vancouver Canucks)
The proposed package includes Jean-Gabriel Pageau, William Dufour, and a conditional 2026 second-round choice.
If the Islanders can acquire Lindholm’s rights and sign him long-term, they will have a two-way center with scoring, faceoff domination, and playoff experience. Lindholm as the second center behind Horvat would add depth to the lineup and relieve strain on the younger players. His ability to match up against opposition stars would be vital in the playoffs, while his scoring potential would balance the Islanders’ defense-first approach. This is the type of clever, win-now play that might swing the Eastern Conference in their favor.
Final Thoughts: Islanders at the Crossroads.
The Islanders’ identity has always been based on hard effort and discipline, but the current NHL requires high-end offense and dynamic defense to compete for the Cup. Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are contributing, while Ilya Sorokin is a standout goaltender who can steal games in the playoffs. Now is the time for management to take a swing.
If the Islanders can hit just one or two of these criteria, they will not only be candidates for the Presidents’ Trophy, but will also emerge as a legitimate Eastern powerhouse. The Stanley Cup window is open. It is up to the Isles to break through it.