Roy’s decision late in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss in Toronto to leave Ilya Sorokin on the bench in the final minute despite a faceoff in the Islanders’ zone — which led to John Tavares’ empty-net, power play goal — spoke well to the players.

The New York Islanders (14-18-7) woke up in 28th place in the NHL this morning. If the NHL held the 2025 Draft Lottery today, the Islanders would hold the fifth overall pick and, therefore, have a serious chance of winning that lottery to draft James Hagens.

Nelson, 33, is playing the second-to-last season of his six-year, $36 million deal, making him an attractive target at an affordable price for contending teams instead of a mere rental. The veteran center has scored 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 38 games this season, although he's posted a minus-5 plus/minus while on the ice with the Isles.

The New York Islanders (14-18-7) have sat in the NHL’s mushy middle for the last three seasons. That trend has continued into this year for a fourth straight season.

The Islanders felt the on-ice officials missed a "clear" head shot by Maple Leafs forward Max Domi that injured rookie defenseman Isaiah George on Thursday night.

This is where the situation in which the Islanders got themselves during Anthony Duclair’s (and Mat Barzal’s) absence gets them into trouble.

There is plenty of blame to go around for the Islanders’ struggles this season, but the star players’ struggles is a big reason for their poor play.

Forward Danny Nelson was essentially an afterthought among United States prospects selected in the 2023 NHL Draft, but the New York Islanders were confident in

Snapshots from the New York Islanders' 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night UBS Arena. Photos by Mike Stobe and Rich Graessle/Getty Images and Sam Johnston and Michael Mooney, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders dropped a 2-1 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night at UBS Arena.

ELMONT, NY -- New York Islanders defenseman Isaiah George entered concussion protocol after taking a high hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi at 10:32 of the second period. As Domi was laying a reverse hit on George, his elbow connected with George's jaw, forcing the 20-year-old rookie, mid-play in the defensive zone, to skate off.