New York Islanders fans should not expect to see a big free agent signing by their team this season before the Feb. 27 NHL trade deadline (via CBS New York).
In addition, Islanders general manager Garth Snow is not reportedly shopping any players, including goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. The trade deadline could pass without any moves by New York. Snow has not ruled out entertaining offers from other teams for his players. The incoming offers could be slim to none, however. Nabokov is likely the only player the Islanders would get an offer for that could convince them to make a deal. For the time being, Snow seems firm in holding on to the veteran goalie.
The Islanders are currently six points out of the eighth and final playoff position, but might be reluctant to make any transactions due to the new upcoming collective bargaining agreement, says CBS New York's B.D. Gallof.
-- See SB Nation's Lighthouse Hockey for more about the Islanders.