The New York Islanders (14-18-7) woke up in 28th place in the NHL this morning. If the NHL held the 2025 Draft Lottery today, the Islanders would hold the fifth overall pick and, therefore, have a serious chance of winning that lottery to draft James Hagens.

The Islanders felt the on-ice officials missed a "clear" head shot by Maple Leafs forward Max Domi that injured rookie defenseman Isaiah George on Thursday night.

Nelson, 33, is playing the second-to-last season of his six-year, $36 million deal, making him an attractive target at an affordable price for contending teams instead of a mere rental. The veteran center has scored 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 38 games this season, although he's posted a minus-5 plus/minus while on the ice with the Isles.

The New York Islanders (14-18-7) have sat in the NHL’s mushy middle for the last three seasons. That trend has continued into this year for a fourth straight season.

Forward Danny Nelson was essentially an afterthought among United States prospects selected in the 2023 NHL Draft, but the New York Islanders were confident in

Snapshots from the New York Islanders' 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night UBS Arena. Photos by Mike Stobe and Rich Graessle/Getty Images and Sam Johnston and Michael Mooney, New York Islanders

Although he will not suit up against the Islanders, it was notable to see Auston Matthews join several skaters for the club's optional skate. There is no timetable on when the Maple Leafs captain will return but the star center was worked hard on the ice and stayed along with scratches Pontus Holmberg, Conor Timmins and Marshall Rifai.

The Maple Leafs and Islanders face off again for the second time in a week. Toronto was able to beat New York 2-1

Roy’s decision late in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss in Toronto to leave Ilya Sorokin on the bench in the final minute despite a faceoff in the Islanders’ zone — which led to John Tavares’ empty-net, power play goal — spoke well to the players.

This is where the situation in which the Islanders got themselves during Anthony Duclair’s (and Mat Barzal’s) absence gets them into trouble.

There is plenty of blame to go around for the Islanders’ struggles this season, but the star players’ struggles is a big reason for their poor play.