While the Islanders have enjoyed a successful stretch, winning six of their last eight games, it’s clear they are facing some challenges. The absence of Bo Horvat due to injury, along with the season-ending losses of Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov, has begun to show its impact on the team’s performance.

Recent matches have highlighted their struggles, especially the 3-2 defeat to the Red Wings on Tuesday, where the Islanders were noticeably outmatched. These back-to-back subpar performances without Horvat underscore the adversity currently facing the team.

Despite these setbacks, it’s premature to suggest that General Manager Mathieu Darche should consider any drastic trades to shake up the team’s core. It’s still relatively early in the season, and such significant moves would be challenging to execute at this time.

Instead, the Islanders should focus on temporary solutions to help them navigate the coming weeks. Finding effective stopgaps will be crucial in maintaining their momentum until Horvat is ready to return from his lower-body injury.