MSG Analyst and Former Islander Thomas Hickey Discusses Islanders’ Rumors:

NEW YORK — Thomas Hickey went on the Steve Dangle Podcast via SDPN on Monday afternoon and shared his opinion on the upcoming trade deadline and the New York Islanders.

Hickey discussed his deadline experience as a player before he pivoted and spoke specifically about the Islanders and Brock Nelson. He also offered some mild insight into what he may do if he were Team President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

Hickey Hints: Take a Page out of the Capitals’ Book:

At first, Hickey talked about the teams around the Islanders and said: “If the Rangers are selling pieces… Sounds like the Bruins will. Who knows about Montreal? I think Lou Lamoriello uses his time… his decisions likely get made after Tuesday.”

Then, he pivoted and discussed what he thinks the Islanders maybe should have done. He looked back at the 2022-23 Washington Capitals and looked at how they gave up in a close wild card race and kicked off a big retool.

Those Capitals made major trades, including sending out players like Dmitry Orlov and Marcus Johansson. They then used those assets to acquire other pieces and set the table for success this year.

“It worked out quite well for them, and maybe it was more beneficial than squeezing into the playoffs. I think every ownership group and management group is going to weigh that up. Certainly, the Islanders [will]… Maybe the biggest name out there is Brock Nelson. Everyone’s waiting on him… Lou Lamoriello has done this, probably more trade deadlines than probably any general manager.”

That is an almost scathing remark at the start. Hickey is one of the absolute smartest people in all of hockey, so for him to essentially say that it makes more sense to sell and retool people should listen. Of course, he credits Lamoriello’s experience and says he thinks Lamoriello will do what’s best.

As Hickey said as the conversation shifted, “I’m interested to see what happens, but there will be a distinctive shift after the deadline. We’re in for an exciting week.”

Indeed, it will be a fun week.