NHL Trade Deadline: New York Islanders

Nothing is certain, but the New York Islanders are expected to have a quiet trade deadline.

That's something you probably don't expect to hear about a team that is a perennial seller at the deadline, and formerly general managed by the always trigger-happy Mike Milbury.

This year, however, it appears the Islanders have already made their moves. Goalie Dwayne Roloson was sent to Tampa Bay in December and defenseman James Wisniewski was moved to Montreal. The only real remaining chip the team held that could be moved was free-agent-to-be Matt Moulson.

However, GM Garth Snow signed Moulson to a three-year extension at the end of January. Earlier this month, Snow also inked P.A. Parenteau to a one-year extension and what's left in the pool that can be moved isn't much.

While the team has had a downright mediocre 2011 at 11-11-1 since New Year's, their dreadful finish to 2010 included a 14-game losing streak that cost ex-coach Scott Gordon his job and still has them among the worst in the league with no hope of a playoff spot.

NEEDS

They're clearly a seller, but the question is who can be moved and, more importantly, will they? With the moves already made, they have five remaining free agents that can be moved before the deadline.

Doug Weight is likely to retire at the end of the year, as he hasn't seen the ice since November 17 due to injury. Nathan Lawson and Trevor Gillies have no trade value, which leaves only two Islanders, Radek Martinek and Zenon Konopka, that have any value in the market.

Konopka has been an outspoken cheerleader for the team and organization and is one of the driving forces in a very young locker room. The pick he's worth likely doesn't outweigh the heart and soul he brings to this team. Snow should try and re-sign Konopka but we'll have to see how that plays out.

At 34, Martinek has spent his whole career with the Islanders since he was drafted in 1999. He's been an oft-injured and oft-underrated asset to the team and will likely be retained. However, he likely has the greatest value of this group and would be a great depth addition to anyone looking to make a playoff run.

THE VERDICT

If Snow sends anyone packing, it's going to be Konopka and Martinek but given how important they both have been to the team, it's hard to see one or both leaving.

Instead, the Islanders are most likely to stand pat on Feb. 28.