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Islanders Facing ‘Herculean Task’ After Landing No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 7, 2025 7:53 AM ET

The New York Islanders entered the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery with just a 3.5% chance of landing the top pick. By the time ball No. 13 completed the winning 7-11-12-13 combination on Monday, they had secured the franchise’s first No. 1 overall selection since 2009.

The stunning result capped off a chaotic day that had begun with fan frustration over losing the 2026 All-Star Game in place of an "international event," as reported by ESPN.

The Islanders' focus has now shifted to the offseason, where the team must replace longtime GM Lou Lamoriello and make franchise-altering decisions trying to improve on their 35-35-12 record from last season.

Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report recently offered trade suggestions for each potential lottery winner before the event took place at the start of the week.

The New York Islanders have won the 2025 NHL draft lottery‼️

The last time they had the first overall pick was when they took John Tavares in 2009 pic.twitter.com/JWm5mZw2xU
— ESPN (@espn) May 5, 2025

With the Islanders now confirmed as holders of the top pick, Yerdon’s analysis becomes relevant.

“If the Islanders’ 3.5% chance of winning the No. 1 pick comes through, it’ll be a massive test for whoever winds up being the team’s next general manager,” Yerdon wrote. “Whoever ends up being, faces a herculean task to shake off the dust left behind by former GM Lou Lamoriello and will need to figure out how best to increase the offensive skill throughout the roster.”

Yerdon pointed to the Islanders’ projected $30 million ($28.3 million according to PuckPedia) in cap space but warned that up to nine roster spots still need to be filled.

Any attempt to move out core players to bolster the offense could create new problems for the franchise.

“They need scoring and could move someone like Ryan Pulock or Adam Pelech to get a good player, but then the defense suffers,” Yerdon wrote. “Moving Mathew Barzal or Bo Horvat would be a massive deal that wouldn’t be easy to make, and then could leave them wondering where the goals are coming from.”

The Islanders’ core already includes Barzal, Ilya Sorokin, Noah Dobson, and prospects Cole Eiserman and Calum Ritchie.

Now, with the No. 1 pick in hand—and top draft-eligible names like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens on the board—their next GM will have immediate power to reshape the franchise.

"Good luck to whoever the next GM is because it's going to be difficult," Yerdon finished.

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

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