In a typical 21st century Islanders season — regardless if Garth Snow or Lou Lamoriello is at the helm — you get some contract extension announcements for players who are loyal soldiers but have also maybe seen too many battles.
But the 2024 NHL trade deadline was notable in that it did not include a headline like “Islanders extend Cal Clutterbuck.”
Could they finally be ready to allow the trio Formerly Known as The Best Fourth Line in Hockey to break away?
As a practical matter, it has already happened, since Matt Martin was an occasional scratch down the stretch, Kyle MacLean — now extended for three years — took on the role of fourth-line center, and Casey Cizikas was moved to the wing on scoring lines.