The New York Islanders are facing a major challenge as injuries have sidelined all three starting left-defensemen, prompting the team to consider adding defensive depth. With both Alexander Romanov and Mike Reilly day-to-day, the Islanders may explore waivers or trades to bolster their blue-line. This predicament mirrors last season's struggles, resulting in increased responsibilities for players like Ryan Pulock, who logged an unsustainable 30 minutes in a recent game. The free agent market for left-shot defensemen is thin, yet options like Mark Giordano and potential trades for players like Jake Bean or Brendan Smith could provide needed support.

By the Numbers
  • The Islanders have a record of 4-6-2 through their first 12 games.
  • Ryan Pulock averaged 30 minutes of ice time in a recent game, a figure deemed unsustainable.
State of Play
  • All three starting left-defensemen are injured, creating a significant depth issue.
  • General manager Lou Lamoriello is under pressure to either claim players off waivers or execute quick trades to remain competitive.
What's Next

The Islanders are likely to pursue waiver claims aggressively, but if that fails, a trade may be essential. Their diminishing season leaves little time for deliberation.

Bottom Line

To regain competitiveness in the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders must act swiftly to reinforce their defense, minimizing the risk of further season decline.