The St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders are apparently each testing the market on key pieces of their core.

The Islanders and Alexander Romanov agreed to an eight-year contract worth $6.25 million per year, per reports.

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson needs a new contract, but they are testing out the trade market. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on a potential Dobson trade on the 32 Thoughts Podcast.

The Islanders' GM job always has a higher profile than many GM jobs around the league. Being in the greater New York City area puts the Isles in the spotlight.