Lamoriello: Islanders unlikely to trade Nelson, Palmieri while in playoff contention

Don’t expect a selloff from the New York Islanders while the team remains within striking distance of postseason contention.

That was the message from general manager Lou Lamoriello, who in speaking with Newsday’s Andrew Gross shared his confidence in his team’s playoff chances and that veteran players like Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson are unlikely to be dealt as long as the Islanders remain in the race.

Following Thursday’s 4-0 road win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Islanders sit 16-18-7 and five points back of the second wildcard position in the Eastern Conference.

On the season, Palmieri and Nelson sit third and fourth in team scoring, respectively. For Palmieri, the 33-year-old Smithtown, N.Y., native has recorded 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points through 41 appearances and is in the final year of a four-year pact that carries a $5-million annual average value, per PuckPedia.

Like Palmieri, Nelson is also a pending unrestricted free agent, in the final season of a six-year contract that has a $6-million annual average value according to PuckPedia. Originally chosen 30th overall by the Islanders in the 2020 NHL Draft, the the 33-year-old Minnesotan has spent his entire career in New York where through 881 career contests he has collected 286 goals and 268 assists for 554 points. Nelson reached a career high of 75 points in 2022-23, while this season he has tallied 23 points counting 11 goals and 12 assists in 41 games.

Appointed as general manager of the Islanders in May 2018, under Lamoriello, the Islanders have qualified for the postseason in five of six seasons, underscored by a trip to the 2020 Eastern Conference Final before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Islanders have seen quick exits the past two springs in twice losing out to the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.