By bringing in one of the top sports executives ever and the most recent Stanley Cup-winning coach, the Islanders have turned the page on the John Tavares era and approach Monday's NHL trade deadline atop the Metropolitan Division.
But if the Isles' want to make a Stanley Cup run, Lou Lamoriello will have to bring in at least one skilled forward who can score before the NHL trade deadline passes Monday at 3 p.m.
Matt Duchene is no longer an option after Columbus acquired him from Ottawa on Friday. Plenty of good options remain on the market, some who will cost more in assets than others. Here's a look at players who can help the Islanders down the stretch and in the playoffs:
MARK STONE
Ottawa had been trying to work out an extension with Stone, but it appears a deal won't be reached and he'll be moved before the deadline. He's the crown jewel of the market, a terrific two-way forward who's averaging more than a point per game and already has a career-high 28 goals.
Stone would be a great fit for the Isles, but the price might be too high. Lamoriello might balk at dealing three or four significant assets for a rental.
Artemi Panarin would be another premium option on the wing, but with Columbus adding Duchene to try to make a run, it likely would take a king's ransom to make a trade happen. Would Lamoriello part with Oliver Wahlstrom or Noah Dobson? How about Josh Ho-Sang?
KEVIN HAYES/MATS ZUCCARELLO
Last year the Rangers did a deal with the Devils. Would they help the Islanders beef up for a Cup run?
It's hard to see happening, but both Hayes and Zuccarello would be great additions for the Isles. Hayes would take pressure off of Mat Barzal, adding playmaking ability, size and defensive ability to the Isles' top-six.
Zuccarello has been on a great run for most of the last month. Given his long-standing status as a fan favorite at the Garden, he'd seem even less likely than Hayes to be shipped to Brooklyn/Nassau, and the market appears to be competitive for both players.
WAYNE SIMMONDS
The 30-year-old hasn't been as productive this season on a Flyers team likely to miss the playoffs, but a veteran with his goal-scoring record and playoff experience could provide a boost to a team like the Islanders.
GUSTAV NYQUIST
With 15 goals and 33 assists through 61 games, the 29-year-old is on pace to best his career-high in points -- 54 in 2014-15. He has a no-trade clause, but it'd be hard to believe he'd stop a trade to a division-leading team. A very solid piece who'd be a good addition to the Isles' top-six and wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.
MARCUS JOHANSSON
A healthy Johansson will be a sneaky good add for a contending team. The 28-year-old forward has 72 games of playoff experience and is heating up with 12 points in his last 13 games. Shouldn't require a top prospect.
RYAN DZINGEL
Having a career year with 44 points in 58 games, and with him sitting out of the Senators' lineup it appears he's there for the taking.
ILYA KOVALCHUK
His return to the NHL this season hasn't quite worked out with the Kings going through a lost season. Lamoriello did give the veteran winger a 15-year contract with the Devils. Maybe he brings him back to the Tri-State area.