Before we dive into this week’s mailbag, I want to talk about the New York Islanders’ Public Relations team, which was recently named one of three winners of the Dick Dillman Memorial Award for PR Excellence.

It’s an incredible achievement and one that’s very well deserved. But truthfully, this isn’t anything new for this group.

My first day on the job, I remember being incredibly nervous. I didn’t know where to go for practice, who to talk to, and, honestly, I was dealing with a bit of imposter syndrome, wondering why I, Stefen, was being given the opportunity to cover the team I grew up idolizing.

When I finally got upstairs and pulled out my laptop — probably shaking a little. The rink was cold, I swear. — I got a tap on my shoulder.

It was Senior Vice President of Communications Kimber Auerbach, welcoming me to the beat and making sure I had everything I needed. While no one is ever best friends with the PR guy — we’ve had our moments, me doing my job and him doing his — there’s no question he’s had a major impact on my career.

And when you have a strong leader in that department, it trickles down.

Senior Director of Team Services Jesse Eisenberg — no, not the actor — and, this past season, the addition of Sami Levin round out a Big Three that allows me to bring you guys the content you all love to read.

There was a culture change within the organization once Mathieu Darche took over.

The goal was to bring fans closer to the team after years of feeling like they had to view it from behind a black curtain. That meant opening practices. It meant allowing players to appear on podcasts and in commercials. It meant trusting the PR staff to do what they do best.

And they’ve nailed it.

Remember when Matthew Schaefer put on his Islanders jersey on draft night, and it had the breast cancer ribbon stitched onto it?

That was the PR team. They came up with that on their own to make Schaefer immediately feel welcomed, but more importantly, understood.

They followed that up by arranging for children who had lost a parent to surprise Schaefer when he signed his entry-level contract.

Those are the moments that receive recognition, but not always the people who make them happen. And that’s not to say they want the credit. If you know this group, you know none of them do. In fact, they’d be the first to shine the spotlight on someone else before themselves. That’s just who they are.

But it’s important to understand that the Islanders’ PR team is committed every single day not only to protecting the organization’s image, but also to making sure every player and every family feels supported.

As members of the media, we can’t tell the stories you all love to read without access. That access doesn’t happen by accident. It takes trust, communication and people who genuinely care about doing the job the right way.

This award is a recognition of that, and it’s one that’s incredibly well deserved.

Ok, now it’s mailbag time!

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Question 1: Improving The Top Line

ROSNER: I think "refuse" isn't the right word here because Mathieu Darche did try to add top-end talent, whether it was at the trade deadline, during draft week, or since free agency opened. He came up short because he wasn't willing to include his top prospects in deals, or because other teams were simply offering more than he felt comfortable giving up for a team that's about to undergo significant roster turnover over the next year or two. You can be frustrated that he didn't land a Jordan Kyrou or wasn't able to acquire a Kirill Marchenko, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. I guess the “refusal” part is refusing to deplete a prospect pool, the top ones expected to be impact players over the coming years.

Question 2: Blame Goes To Who?

ROSNER: Pete DeBoer was brought in because the Islanders lacked the structure needed to be a consistent hockey team under Patrick Roy. But playing within a system doesn’t fall solely on the coach. He also needs the right players to execute it, and DeBoer’s game is built around speed. The reality is this roster remains flawed. It’s filled with middle-six forwards, a blue line with plenty of question marks and a goaltender who too often has to play Superman to keep the team in games. That’s on Mathieu Darche, who is betting DeBoer can get more out of this group before the real roster construction begins next summer.

Question 3: PTO Opportunities?

ROSNER: When it comes to Professional Tryouts (PTOs), teams usually only hand them out if they believe a player has a legitimate chance to help the NHL club. Right now, the Islanders already have plenty of middle-six and bottom-six forwards, along with enough depth defensemen, that I don’t think they need to add another body just to create more competition in training camp. If Patrik Laine remains unsigned, he’s still someone I could see the Islanders taking a look at. I also wouldn’t be shocked if Oliver Wahlstrom received a PTO, although the organization already knows exactly what it has in him. If he returns, it would be more about providing Hamilton with another quality forward than competing for a full-time NHL role. It’s also worth noting the Islanders didn’t bring anyone to training camp on a PTO last season.

Question 4: Simon Holmstrom’s Season

ROSNER: It’s the most important season of Simon Holmstrom’s career because it's a contract year and it’s his time to finally prove if he can be a top-six player since the Islanders didn’t add an elite talent this summer. Holmstrom ended the season playing alongside Bo Horvat. Maybe he gets that opportunity again, or maybe he gets to play with Mathew Barzal. We’ve seen the potential. He has an elite shot. He can not only transport the puck up the ice, but he has the reach and frame to get around defensemen, cut to the net, and be that kind of guy for this team. But he has to shoot more and be confident. He can’t disappear for large stretches if he’s going to be a top-six guy.

Question 5: Prospects Ready To Help

ROSNER: I’m on the same page as you. Liam Foudy got the opportunity, alongside Victor Eklund, to play in Game 82, and I think Pete DeBoer really likes the speed he brings and the way he pressures on the forecheck. Daylan Kuefler is my dark horse to make the team out of training camp. I know the organization is very high on him. I’d also include Matt Luff in that conversation.

New York Islanders superstar defenseman Matthew Schaefer is eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027, ahead of the final season of his entry-level contract.

He’s going to get paid. Everyone knows he’s going to get paid. And he’s probably going to get paid on that date and not a day later.

The question is: How much?

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Normally, the success of an NHL team supersedes that of the AHL squad. But this season, that might not be the case for the New York Islanders.

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Come the end of the 2025-26 regular season, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko told general manager Don Waddell that he would not be signing long-term in Ohio.

Marchenko, 26, has one season left on his deal at $3.85 million annually and is coming off another outstanding campaign, scoring 27 goals and adding 40 assists for 67 points after posting career highs of 31 goals and 43 assists for 74 points in 2024-25.

While Marchenko doesn’t have trade protection, he effectively controls where he lands because any acquiring team will want assurances he’ll sign an extension — similar to what we saw last summer with former New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson.

Although Blue Jackets reporters have tried to quiet speculation surrounding a trade being imminent, others continue to suggest one could happen real soon. Naturally, fan bases around the league have already started putting together their best offers.

The asking price is reportedly astronomical, the same word that was used to describe the St. Louis Blues’ asking price for Robert Thomas.

Columbus isn’t looking to rebuild, at least not yet. Waddell wants NHL-ready talent, high-end prospects and premium draft picks in return. Whether a team meets that asking price remains to be seen.

But all of this Marchenko speculation got me thinking about something bigger.

At what point do prospects stop being untouchable?

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Pressure is a privilege.

That’s a phrase New York Islanders’ Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer said early and often during his first NHL season.

In sports, words mean nothing. Play and production mean everything.

Some players thrive under pressure. Others fold.

Looking back at the Islanders’ 2025-26 season, pressure was everywhere.

Schaefer, at just 18 years old, logged top-pairing minutes while quarterbacking the power play, all while learning what it meant to be an NHL player and living far from home.

Ilya Sorokin, a Vezina finalist, was asked to be nearly perfect because of the Islanders’ defensive-zone struggles.

Patrick Roy entered the season coaching for his future with a new front office in place.

Once Lou Lamoriello was dismissed, everyone inside that dressing room understood change had arrived.

Now it’s Pete DeBoer’s turn.

Mathieu Darche didn’t overhaul the roster this summer. Instead, he handed DeBoer largely the same group and tasked him with getting it back to the playoffs.

That starts with redistributing the pressure across the lineup instead of allowing it to fall on the same few shoulders.

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Now that the 2026 NHL Draft, free agency, and development camp are in the books, the offseason is entering a different phase—but that doesn’t mean the news cycle is slowing down.

With the season long over and the biggest summer events behind us, Free Friday is shifting back into offseason mode, with a weekly New York Islanders mailbag where your questions take center stage.

And don’t get it twisted: there’s still plenty happening.

From exclusive interviews and insider reporting to in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes access, The Elmonters isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be tracking every roster move, contract negotiation, prospect development, and storyline that shapes the months ahead.

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So let’s dive into this week’s mailbag, kicking things off with Evan Gold.

Question 1: Evan Gold

ROSNER: As of now, we don’t know what role Evan Gold will have. Yes, he spent several years as the Bruins’ assistant general manager while also serving as the Providence Bruins' general manager. But the Islanders already have three assistant general managers in Steve Pellegrini, Ryan Bowness, and Chris Lamoriello. While all three are expected back for the 2026-27 season, Pellegrini and Lamoriello are entering the final year of their contracts. It’ll be interesting to see whether Gold is added to the group or if his arrival ultimately leads to a shift in responsibilities. I could see Lamoriello losing the Hamilton GM tag line and remaining on as an AGM, with Gold taking over there.

Question 2: Patrik Laine

ROSNER: From what I’ve been told, the Islanders did have conversations with Patrik Laine’s camp when free agency opened. I don’t believe the Islanders were willing, or are willing, to offer Laine anything more than a Professional Tryout (PTO). There’s no question Laine could help the Islanders’ power play. And because he missed more than 100 games last season, he’s eligible to sign a bonus-laden contract, allowing for a lower base salary with performance incentives.

That said, the Islanders already have a logjam at forward, so I don’t see them circling back to Laine at this point. However, if Laine doesn’t receive the contract he’s looking for, could his camp revisit Long Island? That’s certainly a possibility, especially considering it’s July 24 and he’s still sitting on the open market.

Question 3: Victor Eklund

ROSNER: That’s a really good question because it’s not as simple as whether Victor Eklund is NHL ready. Personally, I think he was NHL ready as soon as he came over from Sweden at the end of last season. The bigger question is whether the Islanders believe he can thrive at the NHL level rather than just survive. If they don’t, then I could see him starting the season in Hamilton.

That said, I do think Eklund belongs in the top six. A third-line role doesn’t make much sense considering the Islanders’ third line is still expected to be their go-to defensive line. It’s hard to envision Eklund, in his first NHL season, filling that type of role.

Question 4: Prospect Pool Readiness

ROSNER: By the end of the 2027-28 season, I expect Victor Eklund, Cole Eiserman, Danny Nelson, Kashawn Aitcheson and Malte Gustafsson to all be in the Islanders’ lineup. Up front, Kyle Palmieri, Casey Cizikas, Ondrej Palat and Kyle MacLean all come off the books following the 2026-27 season, creating opportunities for younger players to step in.

On the blue line, I also have a hard time seeing the Islanders bringing back the entire veteran group for yet another season. While Alexander Romanov is the defenseman to watch given that his full no-trade clause kicks in on July 1, 2027, both Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock see their full no-trade clauses convert to 16-team modified no-trade clauses on that same date. Even though Aitcheson and Gustafsson are both left-shot defensemen, I don't think either playing the right side is much of a concern if that's what the Islanders ask of them. And if not, Matthew Schaefer has already shown he can play the right side, giving the Islanders another option as they sort out their defensive pairings.

Question 5: Anthony Duclair Or Pierre Engvall?

ROSNER: This is a great question. To be honest, I don’t see either player having a significant role, although it’s certainly possible one of them earns one. Both have tools that can help this hockey club, but both have also struggled with consistency throughout their NHL careers. That said, I do think Anthony Duclair plays more games than Pierre Engvall. Pete DeBoer is familiar with Duclair from their time together, and with Patrick Roy no longer behind the bench, some of the pressure that stemmed from everything that transpired during the 2025-26 season is gone. I never really got the sense that the relationship was truly repaired.

As for Engvall, he’s coming off a season in which he didn’t play a game because of injuries. That followed a 2024-25 campaign where he failed to make the team out of training camp and cleared waivers multiple times. He’s got a lot to prove heading into camp.

Question 6: Expansion Draft

ROSNER: Players with full no-movement clauses must be protected. The only Islander with a full no-movement clause is Ilya Sorokin. The Islanders would also have several notable prospects who would automatically be exempt from selection because they would still be considered first or second-year professionals by the summer of 2027: Matthew Schaefer, Victor Eklund, Kashawn Aitcheson, Malte Gustafsson, Daniil Prokhorov... you get the idea.

Teams can protect either seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender, or eight skaters of any position and one goaltender. The latter option is typically used by teams that have four defensemen they feel they can’t afford to lose. The Islanders would likely opt for the 7-3-1 format. It’s difficult to project exactly who would be protected because so much can change over the next year.

Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat and Ilya Sorokin would almost certainly be protected. Beyond that, the decisions likely come down to which veterans remain on the roster and how confident the organization is that its young players are ready to step into full-time NHL roles by the fall of 2027.

The New York Islanders may very well be done adding to their NHL roster, but it sounds like general manager Mathieu Darche isn’t done adding to his front office.

Mark Divver, a trusted source, reported that Evan Gold may be Long Island-bound. I believe the report to be true.

After 11 seasons with the Boston Bruins, Gold has mutually decided to part ways with the organization once his contract is up on Aug. 1. That means no official announcement regarding a role with the Islanders—or anywhere else—can be made until then.

If the Islanders do land Gold, it would be another significant addition to Darche’s front office, and here’s why:

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The New York Islanders weren’t expected to make major changes to their roster this summer. And, outside of a few depth moves, general manager Mathieu Darche didn’t.

There were many fans who wanted the organization to shake up its blue line, given that the lack of defensive structure and play in front of Vezina finalist Ilya Sorokin had been one of the team’s biggest issues since Barry Trotz was relieved of his duties following the 2021-22 season.

Instead, the Islanders chose to re-sign Tony DeAngelo to a two-year contract worth $4.5 million annually, which wasn’t necessarily the wrong move given how bad things turned when No. 77 missed time down the stretch with the season on the line.

Those trade voices only grew louder after Darche and head coach Pete DeBoer said 22-year-old defenseman Isaiah George would have every opportunity to make the team out of training camp.

While having a youngster who has already shown flashes at the NHL level sit in the press box as the seventh defenseman doesn’t make much sense, the Islanders’ blue line remains crowded.

At first glance, it’s fair to wonder why Darche didn’t move one of his veteran defensemen.

I think the answer has less to do with George or the organization’s other prospects and more to do with Matthew Schaefer.

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The New York Islanders aren’t likely to make any more additions to their NHL roster between now and the opening of training camp in mid-September.

However, bringing players into training camp on Professional Tryout (PTO) agreements to increase competition and potentially add talent to the Hamilton Hammers’ roster remains very much a possibility.

One familiar name to keep an eye on is former Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom.

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The New York Islanders made just one trade this offseason, acquiring the rights to 22-year-old Ryan Healey from the Minnesota Wild on June 27 for future considerations.

It was a low-risk depth move, adding another right-shot defenseman to the organization’s pipeline.

Healey, whom the Wild selected in the fourth round (No. 122 overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, wrapped up his four-year collegiate career at Harvard University this spring.

In four seasons at the Ivy League school, Healey recorded 19 goals and 36 assists for 55 points in 130 games.

“I had a great experience at Harvard,” Healey told The Elmonters. “Everything outside of hockey is great there, but yeah, I had some great teammates, and yeah, I had a great time.”

I did ask him what his major was.

“I was an econ major,” Healey said with a laugh.

Healey graduated from Harvard this spring.

Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin had until Aug. 15 to sign Healey or lose his NHL rights. Instead, he traded the defenseman to a team that could give him a shot at earning an NHL contract.

For the Islanders, who needed right-shot defensive depth, it was a low-risk move for general manager Mathieu Darche to bring in Healey.

“It was great,” Healey told The Elmonters about his initial conversation with Darche. “Yeah, so obviously I got traded on Saturday night. I was out today with my family, and they called us. It was a good conversation, though. Yeah, very welcoming, personal guy.”

While Healey was excited about the opportunity, the move also came with realistic expectations regarding where he is in his development.

“He stopped being the main option for offense from the blue line his junior and senior years,” an amateur scout told The Elmonters. “This guy, Matthew Morden, surpassed him. He has a decent all-around game. Healey could be a depth seventh defenseman, I think, but he doesn’t have any exceptional traits.”

The timing of the trade couldn’t have worked out much better for both sides.

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During this past Free Friday mailbag, I did receive a handful of questions regarding New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall.

But instead of squeezing this into a single mailbag answer, I wanted to dive a little deeper into Engvall's situation.

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Now that the 2026 NHL Draft, free agency, and development camp are in the books, the Islanders’ offseason is entering a different phase—but that doesn’t mean the news cycle is slowing down.

With the season long over and the biggest summer events behind us, Free Friday is shifting back into offseason mode, with a weekly New York Islanders mailbag where your questions take center stage.

And don’t get it twisted: there’s still plenty happening.

From exclusive interviews and insider reporting to in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes access, The Elmonters isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be tracking every roster move, contract negotiation, prospect development, and storyline that shapes the months ahead.

Subscribe now

So let’s dive into this week’s mailbag.

ROSNER: This is a great question, Dom, and a fair concern.

While Alexander Romanov’s season ended on Nov. 18, he was struggling well before that. He had dealt with an upper-body injury before the season-ending one, but Romanov isn’t someone who makes excuses. He called his season terrible.

What makes this more complicated is that Romanov is entering the second year of an eight-year, worth $6.25 million annually, with his full no-trade clause kicking in on July 1, 2027.

So, if he can’t get back to being the trustworthy, momentum-shifting blueliner he’s shown he can be, Darche has a big decision to make.

The good news is that Pete DeBoer has a track record of helping defensemen take the next step. Romanov’s biggest issue last season was his positioning, whether after missing a hit, getting caught flat-footed, or struggling with his gap control. His inconsistency also wasn’t helped by playing alongside Noah Dobson and Tony DeAngelo, neither of whom was known for their defensive games.

If DeBoer can find the right partner for Romanov and get him fully bought into the structure, there’s no reason he can’t be a solid defenseman for this team moving forward.

But the injury is a major concern. Romanov’s game is built on big hits, and if he can’t play that style effectively or misses time because of the physical toll, it becomes harder to justify keeping him at that cap hit with left-shot prospects starting to push for NHL jobs.

ROSNER: I think so, Dale. But that could also be what’s holding up a trade. It ultimately depends on the team he’d be moved to. What’s their cap situation? Do they need to get to the cap floor? Did they miss out on adding a depth forward in free agency and now see value in adding some speed to their middle six?

You look at a team like Anaheim and wonder if, to save a little money, they might send Alex Killorn and a pick to the Islanders for Anthony Duclair. Or maybe another club sees him as a change-of-scenery candidate, similar to the Chris Kreider deal. You know?

ROSNER: I’m not expecting any more additions, A.J., outside of depth signings for Hamilton. Maybe we see a forward brought in on a PTO for training camp. Still, I think Darche did exactly what he needed to do in free agency, adding a middle-six forward in Matias Maccelli, a depth defenseman in Matthew Kessel, and Vitek Vanecek as insurance behind Semyon Varlamov.

Darche believes this team is capable of making the playoffs, and training camp should be competitive, with so many depth forwards and defensemen fighting for just a few roster spots.

While it’s probably not the most attractive answer, the Islanders are also getting back Kyle Palmieri, Pierre Engvall, and Alexander Romanov after injury-plagued seasons.

If the Islanders had Palmieri — and maybe even Engvall — in the lineup for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, they likely would have made the playoffs.

That said, there’s no question other teams in the Metropolitan Division got tougher, so we’ll see just how competitive this Islanders team is in a few months.

ROSNER: So, here’s the situation. Every team is dealing with some unusual midweek start times this season. That’s because the NHL is trying to cater to its growing European audience.

From the league:

“A new fixture on the NHL regular season schedule for 2026-27 is a steady stream of Monday weekday matinee / European primetime games, providing passionate hockey fans abroad the ability to watch their favorite teams, and some of the NHL’s biggest stars, in prime time during the week. These games further the League’s commitment to deepening its connection with international fans and growth in European markets, as well as driving brand awareness for NHL Clubs internationally. This also provides a new offering to engage fans and new audiences in the NHL’s North American markets: a matinee game creates a unique and memorable fan experience and allows Clubs to deliver bespoke activations and fun engagement opportunities.”

The Islanders are one of several teams impacted by the scheduling change, with five weekday matinee games on the calendar in 2026-27.

ROSNER: For starters, the Islanders’ coaching staff will collectively be working on the power play, not just one person. Head coach Pete DeBoer told us that Rocky Thompson will take point, but it’s going to be a collaborative effort.

I definitely expect them to find more creative ways to gain the zone and get set up. That said, I don’t think there’s going to be anything revolutionary about what they do.

I’d expect the power play to run more through Matthew Schaefer than Mathew Barzal. I’d also expect a greater emphasis on getting pucks to the net rather than constantly looking for the perfect play.

You know the expression “keep it simple.” I really think we’re going to see that this season, especially with how accurate Schaefer is from the point and how quickly he’s adjusted to the NHL game in all facets.

ROSNER: That’s a great question. To me, it really depends on where he’s playing in the lineup and who he’s playing with. If you believe he can step right into a top-six role, that obviously bodes well for his offensive production. If he starts the year more as a middle-six, third-line player, the numbers may not be quite as high.

I think Eklund has the potential to be a 20-goal, 20-assist player as a rookie. I really do. But that’s asking a lot of a 19-year-old in his first NHL season. There’s nothing wrong with having high expectations, though.

A more realistic projection might be something in the range of 15 goals and 15 assists. That said, I think he’s going to shine, especially if he ends up playing with someone like Bo Horvat, as he did in his one and only NHL game this past season.

ROSNER: I don’t think Engvall was so much a liability as he was a player who didn’t give enough on a nightly basis.

I also don’t think expectations should be overly lofty. He’s coming off hip and ankle surgery, but he’s fully healthy and expected to be ready for training camp.

Listen, if Engvall shows a willingness to get to the dirty areas and proves to DeBoer that his speed can be an asset in this system, there’s a role for him in the bottom six.

Like DeBoer said when asked about Anthony Duclair on the final day of development camp, everyone is getting a clean slate. It’s up to Engvall to show he’s worthy of an NHL job because, if not, the Islanders can bury $1.225 million of his $3 million cap hit in the minors.

ROSNER: Honestly, the only thing really left to do is move players Darche doesn’t view as part of the future of this hockey team.

While the Islanders don’t need the salary cap space right now, it’s more about creating roster spots for prospects to have a legitimate chance to win NHL jobs.

That said, it’s not worth attaching draft picks to those players to get a deal done.

Obviously, if there’s still an opportunity to acquire a top-six weapon, the Islanders should be making calls. But I think that ship has sailed at this point, especially given Darche’s unwillingness to part with any of his top prospects right now.

ROSNER: If Isaiah George makes the team, it doesn’t make much sense to me for a 22-year-old defenseman to be serving as the seventh defenseman.

I could absolutely see him earning a spot in the starting lineup, potentially bumping Scott Mayfield out of the top six. If that happens, Matthew Schaefer moving to the right side is a possibility, as DeBoer himself brought up.

While Romanov is fully healthy, we also need to see what he looks like coming off shoulder surgery. Until we do, I think there are still some questions about how the defense pairs will shake out.

Could we see something like this?

Pelech — Schaefer

George — Pulock

Romanov — DeAngelo

It’s certainly not out of the question. The biggest thing is that George needs to be playing every night if he’s on the NHL roster. At this stage of his development, sitting in the press box as the seventh defenseman doesn’t do much for anyone.

ROSNER: I have zero concern about there being any tension in the room.

Bo Horvat, who I believe is the favorite to be named captain, has already worn the “C” in Vancouver. He’s also worn an “A” with the Islanders, which would seem to put him at the front of the line for the captaincy.

Mathew Barzal isn’t oblivious to the fact that he’s never worn a letter in the NHL, and I’d imagine he’d be one of the first players supporting Horvat for the role if a vote has already taken place.

At the end of the day, you don’t need a letter to be a leader. Barzal is one of the faces of the franchise and is respected in the room. Whether he has a letter on his jersey or not isn’t going to change that.

DESIGN THE ISLANDERS 2027-28 THIRD JERSEY

On Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, the New York Islanders officially unveiled their 2026-27 regular-season schedule, with franchise favorite Cal Clutterbuck back along with Matt Martin to make the announcement:

The Islanders will open the season on the road on Sept. 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs before returning to UBS Arena for their home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 3.

Puck drop for both contests is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

With the full 84-game slate now available, let’s break down some of the biggest takeaways from the Islanders’ 2026-27 schedule.

• Opening night features a matchup between the NHL’s last two No. 1 overall picks: Matthew Schaefer (2025) and Gavin McKenna (2026).

• It will also be Matias Maccelli’s first game back in Toronto since the Maple Leafs elected not to tender him a qualifying offer.

• Home start times will vary throughout the season.

• 11 of the Islanders’ 42 home games are scheduled for 7:30 PM ET starts.

• Eight of those 11 games come before the All-Star break.

• I believe the start time variation is due to NYRA and horse racing at Belmont Racetrack (I’ll get confirmation on this).

• As part of the NHL’s continued push to accommodate European audiences, the Islanders have five midweek matinee games.

• The Islanders will also play five weekend matinees.

• New York has 13 back-to-back sets on the schedule.

• The Islanders and Rangers will meet four times, all with 7 PM ET puck drops:

  • Oct. 6 at Madison Square Garden

  • Dec. 20 at UBS Arena

  • Feb. 12 at Madison Square Garden

  • Feb. 18 at UBS Arena

• Anders Lee returns to Long Island on Feb. 15 for a 3 PM ET matchup at UBS Arena.

• The Islanders make their first trip to Utah to face Lee on Dec. 15.

• Pete DeBoer will face his former team, the Dallas Stars, on Oct. 25 in Dallas before hosting them at UBS Arena on Jan. 15.

• The Islanders’ longest homestand is a four-game stretch from March 1–9.

• Their longest road trip spans six games from Jan. 26–Feb. 12.

• The Islanders are home for the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, which is March 5th at 3 PM ET.

LATEST STORIES

MATTHEW SCHAEFER COMING TO MATT MARTIN HOCKEY CAMP

EAST MEADOW, NY — Gleb Veremyev arrived at this summer’s New York Islanders development camp with something to prove.

After earning a two-year NHL contract out of Colorado College following the 2024-25 season, Veremyev’s first full year as a professional didn’t go as planned despite the potential he showed early on.

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This past weekend, the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Josh Bailey into its 2026 Class, in what was a special moment for the career New York Islanders forward.

Bailey’s legacy with the Islanders is often reduced to a few things: The playoff overtime goals, The Josh Bailey Song, and the inconsistencies early in his career.

But Bailey’s biggest contribution to the Islanders organization wasn’t any of those things. It was one decision he made on Feb. 23, 2018.

Read more

The New York Islanders didn’t do anything drastic during the free-agent period. They had some holes, and general manager Mathieu Darche did what he had to do without overpaying.

He got his Semyon Varlamov insurance with Vitek Vanecek. He got his low-risk, high-reward guy, signing Matias Maccelli. He got his depth defensemen, signing Matt Kessel and acquiring Ryan Healey’s rights from the Minnesota Wild.

Healey must be signed by Aug. 15, or the Islanders lose his rights. He had a really strong development camp, so I think they’ll sign him.

The biggest additions are Pete DeBoer behind the bench and the returns of Kyle Palmieri, Alexander Romanov, and Pierre Engvall to full health.

I know that’s not what many fans wanted to hear, but it’s the reality of the situation.

While fans are eager to see the next wave of Islanders’ prospects, the NHL roster turnover isn’t expected to happen until next summer when Palmieri, Casey Cizikas, Ondrej Palat, and Varlamov come off the books, with other players seeing their full no-trade clauses turn into modified no-trade clauses.

So while we haven’t seen much change above the surface, below it, the Islanders have completed a significant turnover.

The roster may look largely the same.

The prospect pool does not.

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EAST MEADOW, NY — New York Islanders defense prospect Kashawn Aitcheson returned to development camp this summer looking much different from how he did a year ago.

The No. 17 pick in 2025 came into his second development camp fresh off a dominant fourth and final OHL season with the Barrie Colts. He was named the OHL Defenseman of the Year, tallying 28 goals with 42 assists for 70 points in 64 regular-season games.

In the playoffs, the Toronto native recorded eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points in just 19 games.

Now with professional hockey on the horizon, Aitcheson is focused on continuing his development and making life as difficult as possible for when training camp arrives this fall.

“He’s as advertised,” Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. “I love the energy, love the physicality, you know? I don't think you see his game in this type of format, like we all know how he wants to play. We've seen enough of the tape, but he's a mature kid. He looks like he's put on some size. He looks like he's ready for pro hockey. He's excited, so we're excited to work with him.”

The 19-year-old spoke with The Elmonters about his growth over the past year, the bond he shares with fellow members of the Islanders' 2025 draft class, the possibility of playing close to home with the Hamilton Hammers, and more.

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When Anders Lee signed with the Utah Mammoth in free agency, it meant the end of an era on Long Island.

Not only was the New York Islanders’ organization losing one of the best leaders in the sport, but a player who gave this fan base so many amazing memories.

But Lee’s departure also closed a unique chapter in Islanders history.

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The New York Islanders becoming the first NHL team to allow fans to design an official jersey that the organization will wear during the 2027-28 season was a pretty neat idea.

There will undoubtedly be some who respond that the team should focus on improving the on-ice product instead.

The reality is that those two things are not mutually exclusive.

Mathieu Darche isn’t spending his summer sketching logos. Pete DeBoer isn’t debating jersey striping patterns. The people responsible for building a winner are still focused on doing so.

If anything, the contest exists because the organization can delegate the creative process to its fans while continuing to focus on hockey operations.

I kid... maybe.

But while the jersey itself is the headline today, the more interesting question is what the Islanders will look like when they finally wear it.

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Now that the 2026 NHL Draft, free agency, and development camp are in the books, the Islanders’ offseason is entering a different phase—but that doesn’t mean the news cycle is slowing down.

With the season long over and the biggest summer events behind us, Free Friday is shifting back into offseason mode, with a weekly New York Islanders mailbag where your questions take center stage.

And don’t get it twisted: there’s still plenty happening.

From exclusive interviews and insider reporting to in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes access, The Elmonters isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be tracking every roster move, contract negotiation, prospect development, and storyline that shapes the months ahead.

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So let’s dive into this week’s mailbag.

ROSNER: Seeing Leo Carlsson become an $18 million man, it’s understandable to think that Matthew Schaefer could seek that kind of money on his next contract. Like Macklin Celebrini, Schaefer is the type of player you hand a blank check to.

To clarify, while Schaefer is eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027, he’ll still have one year remaining on his entry-level contract. But to your point, I don’t think Schaefer is going to nickel-and-dime the Islanders. I could see him signing a long-term extension worth somewhere in the $12 million to $14 million range annually. A bridge deal doesn’t make much sense for either side.

As for your second question about creating additional cap space, beyond the pending unrestricted free agents — Kyle Palmieri, Ondrej Palat, Casey Cizikas, Kyle MacLean, and Semyon Varlamov — the Islanders will also have to decide on Alexander Romanov before his full no-trade clause kicks in on July 1, 2027.

We may see a veteran defenseman moved by next summer. Maybe Anthony Duclair gets moved. If Calum Ritchie establishes himself as an NHL center, perhaps Jean-Gabriel Pageau becomes a trade candidate despite recently signing a three-year extension.

Ultimately, a lot will depend on where the Islanders are in their competitive cycle by the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.

ROSNER: I like the creativity here. I don’t think Cole Eiserman makes the team out of training camp this fall.

I do agree that Emil Heineman starts the season on the fourth line, but I don’t think Jean-Gabriel Pageau is headed there just yet. Not until Calum Ritchie proves he’s ready to handle center duties at the NHL level. Based on Pete DeBoer’s comments, it didn’t sound like the plan was to slot Ritchie into a full-time center role yet.

I do think Matias Maccelli gets a look in the top six during training camp, but I’m not convinced he sticks there by opening night. DeBoer made it sound like the Ritchie-Barzal-Schenn line could remain together, at least initially.

As for the blue line, I don’t think Alexander Romanov, coming off injury and an inconsistent season, is going to be thrust into a top-pairing role right away. I do think Schaefer could play his off-side, but only if Isaiah George makes the opening-night roster. I could see Schaefer alongside Ryan Pulock or even George, with Adam Pelech continuing to handle a large share of the defensive-zone and late-game responsibilities.

As for the goaltending situation, I don’t think the Islanders will carry three goalies. I expect that Vitek Vanecek will be placed on waivers the day before rosters are finalized. With teams around the league trying to clear cap space and finalize their own rosters at that point, I’d be surprised if anyone put in a claim.

ROSNER: I do think Darche is going to learn from this past deadline. I think he’ll be more likely to move veterans this time around — not bring them in — if the Islanders aren’t safely in a playoff spot. Even then, I’d see a buy move as more of a long-term fit, like when Lou Lamoriello acquired Bo Horvat, than a short-term move to acquire an aging veteran who steals a youngster’s spot.

Kyle Palmieri, as long as he proves that he can still play his game coming off a torn ACL, will have a ton of suitors. For as much slack as Ondrej Palat has gotten and where his game is at, you never know the appetite a playoff team could have for him, especially if the Islanders retain money on a deal. I don’t think there’s been a huge market for Casey Cizikas. Still, at $2.5 million annually for a guy who is an impeccable forechecker, who wins face-offs and kills penalties, playoff teams will likely have interest. Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield’s full no-trade clauses will be modified next July 1, so that’s something to keep in mind.

ROSNER: While I do agree that the Islanders lack some muscle, especially after losing Anders Lee, that’s part of the reason I suggested they explore a deal with the Anaheim Ducks involving Alex Killorn and a draft pick. Perhaps the Islanders could send Anthony Duclair the other way, helping Anaheim create some flexibility while addressing a need of their own.

That said, much like last season, protecting Matthew Schaefer and the team’s younger players will likely be a group effort. Veterans such as Scott Mayfield, Alexander Romanov, Brayden Schenn, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Bo Horvat will be expected to help carry that responsibility.

And who knows? A few years from now, maybe we’re talking about Daniil Prokhorov becoming that type of player for the Islanders.

ROSNER: Well, that’s because I mentioned it on Thursday. While I don’t know how far the discussions progressed, I was told by two sources on July 1 that the Islanders spoke with Patrick Kane’s camp. As of today, he remains unsigned.

The Islanders are not rebuilding, at least not on the surface. The expectation remains the same as it always has been: make the playoffs. Contrary to popular belief, that doesn’t change simply because the organization is in the middle of a retool. There’s little value in missing the playoffs, which is why Mathieu Darche pushed his chips in at the trade deadline, even if the moves ultimately didn’t work out as planned.

That’s also why Kane makes sense as a potential fit. On a one-year, bonus-laden contract, he could provide value without impacting the organization’s long-term flexibility. The caveat is that a move like that can’t come at the expense of a young player such as Victor Eklund. If Kane were brought in, he would need to take someone else’s spot in the lineup.

From a hockey standpoint, the fit is obvious. Kane would help the Islanders’ power play, improve their transition game, and add another high-end playmaker to the forward group.

ROSNER: I don’t think “underwhelming” is the right word because, outside of the 4-on-4 scrimmage, it’s difficult to truly evaluate these players based solely on the drills that make up most of development camp.

I did think No. 13 overall pick Malte Gustafsson looked a bit nervous during the first couple of days, but he seemed to settle in and come out of his shell, both on and off the ice, as the week progressed. I felt the same way about goaltender Joshua Kotai, who appeared more comfortable and confident as camp went on.

ROSNER: I think Cole Eiserman could get a look at some point this season, though probably not until later in the year at the earliest.

As for Danny Nelson, I expect him to turn pro following his senior season at Notre Dame and then compete for an NHL roster spot in the fall of 2027.

Kashawn Aitcheson’s path is a bit more complicated. Any NHL opportunity for him depends on openings developing on the left side of the Islanders’ blue line, which is currently a logjam. Right now, I’d project him to get his first NHL action at some point during the 2027-28 season.

I could see Daniil Prokhorov emerging as a call-up option at some point this year, particularly if he continues the progression he showed last season.

As for Dmitry Gamzin, I don’t expect him to come to North America until the earliest being the summer of 2028. He could try and opt out a year before his two-year KHL extension expires and come over next summer. At this point, I’d be surprised if he signs another extension in Russia.

ROSNER: The Islanders do have just under $4 million in available cap space if Vitek Vanecek starts the season in the minors. However, unless it’s a one-year deal for someone like Patrick Kane or Patrik Laine, I think they’re probably done making NHL additions this summer.

There are still some internal matters that need attention, including signing their remaining restricted free agents, getting Ryan Healey under contract before the Aug. 15 deadline, and continuing to build out the roster in Hamilton.

The available cap space also serves another purpose. By keeping room available this season, the Islanders can absorb the $3.5 million in performance bonuses Matthew Schaefer is likely to earn for a second straight year. Doing so would allow them to avoid carrying a bonus overage penalty into the following season, as they’re doing now.

ROSNER: I mean, there’s always a chance. This is a huge season for Alexander Romanov to prove he can be the player Mathieu Darche believed he was getting when he signed him to an eight-year contract worth $6.25 million annually last summer.

As mentioned, Darche has until July 1, 2027, to decide on Romanov’s future with the organization before his full no-trade clause takes effect.

Right now, Romanov’s value is lower than it was a year ago because of what transpired this past season. The hope has to be that he bounces back and either proves he’s a long-term piece of the Islanders’ future or raises his value to the point where, if the organization decides to move him, he’s viewed around the league as an asset rather than a contract teams are hesitant to take on.

ROSNER: I am incredibly grateful to have the job that I have. One of the best parts of the job is interacting with all of you, even if the conversations are more often negative than positive. That’s sports. Not everyone will like my coverage or the way I go about things, but I am unapologetically myself.

I do think that in a world full of negativity 24/7, sports are meant to be fun and that being passionate shouldn’t mean having to be negative about your favorite sports team.

DESIGN THE ISLANDERS 2027-28 THIRD JERSEY