Ondrej Palat Adjusting to Life with Islanders After Midseason Trade

Veteran forward says he's "happy" to be fitting in with his new team as they make a playoff push.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:07am

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Ondrej Palat, the veteran forward who was traded from the Devils to the Islanders in late January, is adjusting to life with his new team as they make a playoff push. After playing his last game with the Devils in Seattle on January 25, Palat was traded to the Islanders two days later and has played six games in just over a week with his new club, shuttling between a Long Island hotel and his New Jersey home. He then went to Milan for the Olympics for two weeks before rejoining the Islanders, who are in the midst of a road-heavy stretch that continued with a crucial four-point match against the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Why it matters

Palat's midseason trade and quick integration into the Islanders' lineup is an important storyline as the team fights for a playoff spot in the competitive Metropolitan Division. The veteran forward's ability to adapt to his new surroundings and contribute to the Islanders' success could be a key factor in their postseason push.

The details

After being traded from the Devils to the Islanders on January 27, Palat has had to quickly adjust to his new team and living situation. He has been shuttling between a Long Island hotel and his New Jersey home, all while trying to get up to speed with the Islanders' systems and build chemistry with his new teammates. Palat then had to leave the team for two weeks to represent the Czech Republic at the Olympics in Milan before rejoining the Islanders, who are in the midst of a crucial road-heavy stretch as they battle for a playoff spot.

  • Palat played his last game with the Devils in Seattle on January 25.
  • Palat was traded to the Islanders on January 27.
  • Palat played six games in just over a week with his new club before going to the Olympics.
  • Palat rejoined the Islanders on February 28 for their game against the Blue Jackets.

The players

Ondrej Palat

A veteran forward who was traded from the New Jersey Devils to the New York Islanders in late January 2026.

New Jersey Devils

Palat's former team, which traded him to the Islanders in late January 2026.

New York Islanders

Palat's current team, which acquired him in a trade with the Devils in late January 2026 as they make a push for the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy to be here. It's a great group of guys, and I'm just trying to fit in as best I can.”

— Ondrej Palat

What’s next

The Islanders will continue their road-heavy stretch with a 24-hour trip back to New York after the game against the Blue Jackets, followed by a cross-country flight on Monday for a 10-day road trip that starts in California.

The takeaway

Palat's midseason trade to the Islanders and his quick integration into the team's lineup is a testament to his veteran experience and adaptability. As the Islanders fight for a playoff spot, Palat's ability to contribute and fit in with his new teammates could be a key factor in their success down the stretch.