Mathieu Darche’s first Islanders trade deadline can be explained through a foundational lens

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Mathieu Darche was in one of the most unique positions of any general manager entering Friday’s trade deadline because, unlike most NHL teams, the Islanders simultaneously are trending upward faster than anticipated but still have a while to go before they will be ready to truly contend for the Stanley Cup. 

That is the lens through which everything Darche does needs to be understood. He is trying to get the Islanders into the playoffs this year and, hopefully, make them competitive once there. He also understands that the best long-term scenario for the Islanders involves a core that includes Matthew Schaefer, Cal Ritchie, Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson that would come into its own over the next few seasons, while the likes of Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are still producing at a high level and while the current prospect core remains on cost-controlled, entry-level deals. 

“The beauty of it is, we didn’t touch any of our top prospects that will turn pro next year,” Darche said in what appeared to be a clear reference to Eklund and Aitcheson on his post-deadline Zoom call. “That was the goal.” 

It was the most revealing thing he said in a typically informative session with reporters, and it goes a long way toward explaining why the Islanders did not take what would have been a home run swing to acquire Jordan Kyrou or Robert Thomas.