GM Snow: Islanders won't trade high picks for rental players

New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow wants to hold on to a pair of draft picks acquired from the Calgary Flames last summer.

As part of the return for defenseman Travis Hamonic, the Islanders received both a first- and second-round pick for 2018. Those selections would be highly coveted on the trade market around the deadline, but Snow has no desire to sacrifice those assets despite sitting outside the playoff picture.

"So, are we going to, at this point in time, be giving first-round picks and high picks for rental players? I don't think we're in that position," Snow said, per Newsday's Steven Marcus. "Just doesn't make sense."

Snow also reiterated he won't be trading John Tavares amid uncertainty about the captain's long-term future with the team.

He added injuries have been a big factor as to why the Islanders are a playoff bubble team, and the belief seems to be the group as constituted can get the job done down the stretch.

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