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'If It Makes Sense, I Would' – Islanders GM Mathieu Darche Not Ruling Out Moving First Round Pick In Trade
Mathieu Darche (Image Credits: Imagn)

'If It Makes Sense, I Would' – Islanders GM Mathieu Darche Not Ruling Out Moving First Round Pick In Trade

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports  |  By Swati Bhatia  |  Last updated Jan 29, 2026 3:24 PM ET

The New York Islanders have made a couple of key trades before the Olympic freeze, and it seems the team might make a few more before the March 6 trade deadline. On Monday, the Islanders acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. A day later, New York added Ondrej Palat, along with two draft picks, sending winger Maxim Tsyplakov the other way.

Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche, while talking on Frankly Hockey, did not rule out trading one of their first-round picks if the team finds the need.

When NHL insider and podcast host Frank Seravalli asked Darche how aggressive the Islanders plan to be before the trade deadline, the 49-year-old said they will go hard if the trade makes sense.

“Every day I am talking to teams. If there’s an opportunity to make a move to improve the team, I’ll do it,” Darche said.

“Someone asked me today if you would move one of your first-round picks. If it makes sense, I would.”

“Won’t Make Another Trade Just To Make A Trade” – Mathieu Darche


Mathieu Darche (Image Credits: Imagn)

Despite not ruling out moving a first-round pick before the trade deadline, the Islanders’ GM made it clear he will not make a trade just for the sake of it.

“I won’t make another trade just to make a trade,” Darche added. “It has to make sense. I know it’s a generic answer, but the reality of it is true, and I’m sure every team’s the same way. You don’t make a change for the sake of change.”

The New York team currently holds two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. One is their own, while the other was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Brock Nelson trade last year.

On the ice, the Islanders are in a strong position. They sit third in the Metropolitan Division and will look to secure their third straight win when they visit Madison Square Garden to take on the Rangers.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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