In a Metropolitan Division shakeup ahead of the Olympic break, the New York Islanders have acquired veteran forward Ondřej Palát from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick. The trade, announced Tuesday, sees no salary retention from the Devils. This move has sparked considerable discussion, prompting analysis of its potential impact on both teams.

Islanders' Perspective:

For the Islanders (28-19-5), currently sitting third in the Metropolitan Division, this trade injects valuable Stanley Cup-winning experience into their roster. Palát, a two-time champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, brings a wealth of playoff experience, having played in 155 playoff games. While his regular season production has declined recently, with only 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 51 games this season, the Islanders are likely banking on his leadership and playoff pedigree to bolster their chances in the postseason.

The acquisition also comes at a reasonable cost. Giving up Tsyplakov, who has struggled to find his footing this season with just 2 points in 27 games, along with a third and sixth-round pick, is a price the Islanders are willing to pay for a player of Palát's experience. Furthermore, the Islanders recently acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers, signaling their intent to strengthen the team for a playoff push.

Devils' Perspective:

The Devils (27-23-2), currently sixth in the division and battling for a wild card spot, are in a different situation. Palát, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Devils in 2022, has not lived up to expectations in New Jersey. His production has declined, and he has struggled to find consistency in the lineup.

By trading Palát, the Devils free up $3.75 million in cap space, providing them with more flexibility to make other moves before the trade deadline or in the offseason. Tsyplakov, while underperforming this season, offers a fresh start and a potential for growth within the Devils' system. At 27 years old, he is younger than Palát and has one year left on his contract with a $2.25 million cap hit. This move suggests the Devils are aiming to retool their roster and potentially target other players who better fit their long-term plans.

Grades:

• New York Islanders: B+

  The Islanders get a veteran player with a proven track record of success in the playoffs without giving up significant assets. While Palát's current form is a concern, his experience and leadership could be invaluable during a playoff run. * New Jersey Devils: C+

  The Devils move on from a contract that wasn't working out and gain some cap flexibility. However, they are essentially paying the Islanders to take Palát by including draft picks in the deal. Tsyplakov is a low-risk, potentially high-reward player, but his performance this season doesn't inspire much confidence.

Overall:

This trade appears to be a win-now move for the Islanders, who are looking to solidify their playoff position and make a deep run in the postseason. The Devils, on the other hand, are taking a longer-term approach, prioritizing cap space and potential future assets over immediate gains. Only time will tell which team ultimately benefits the most from this trade. Palat has historically performed well against the Islanders, with 4 goals and 15 assists in 35 games. The Devils clearly were looking to trade Palat for sometime.