Russell’s Roundup: Roy’s Rant; Trade Chatter Growing

The New York Islanders have lost four straight games. Those Islanders also find themselves 14th in the Eastern Conference and closer to the basement than a playoff spot. Two days ago, their hated rival, the New York Rangers, humiliated them on their own ice. During practice the next day, the Islanders started sluggish and sloppy. Head Coach Patrick Roy stopped practice and unloaded on his squad, which set the tone for the rest of the practice.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils’ slide continued last night. They’re a team that desperately needs forward depth. One wonders what they’d give to get back Kyle Palmieri. The Colorado Avalanche blasted them. Elsewhere, trade rumors kicked up courtesy of Nick Kypreos’ trade board labeling Quinton Byfield as a potential trade chip in an eye-popping board of names.

New York Islanders:

You can’t miss this story. Roy’s fiery temper came out on Wednesday morning, leaving the Islanders repeating one refrain—it doesn’t matter what the analytics say. They’ve lost too much lately and need to find a way to win. They need their swagger. This story is all about Roy’s outburst and more.

ICYMI: I declared the playoff hunt over. It’s obviously not officially over, but it really should be. If the Islanders had gone 5-2 instead of winning seven straight games, they’d be last in the East and 29th in the NHL. You tell me where this group has been more this season- actually in a race or circling the drain. It’s time to sell.

Boston Hockey Now: As for tonight’s Islanders’ opponent, it’s another team in free fall. The Boston Bruins blew a 3-0 lead on their own home ice in a humiliating loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. You better believe the B’s are pissed off.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos dropped his latest trade board for Sportsnet. There’s a massive amount of big names, and while I find it hard to believe most get traded, it’s fun to speculate, right? As for the retooling Islanders, two names stand out. Jordan Kyrou and Quinton Byfield. It should have been done yesterday if there’s a way to get one or both here. Here’s the full list.

Sportsnet: Here’s something the Islanders and their fans haven’t done in a while. Let’s take a look at Sportsnet’s current draft board for the 2025 draft. With the Islanders currently 25th and falling fast, it’s time to start learning these names. 

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: After the indignation in Philadelphia, Dan Kingerski writes the next few days will decide Kyle Dubas’ legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s on the clock.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are haunted by a ghost. That ghost is Mackenzie Blackwood. He had a great game in a closer-than-it-looks 5-1 final in Denver. James Nichols has the recap.

Philly Hockey Now: Just a wee bit further south from Newark, the Flyers are going to make some hard decisions. John Tortorella gave some hard truths in Philly about the trade deadline.