10 Questions Facing Islanders Forward Group
The Islanders added a few new forwards to the group this summer, which, in part, creates more questions for how the lineup will turn out.
While the New York Islanders' defense makeup has just one major question mark heading into the 2025-26 season, the forward group is an entirely different story.
There are a few new faces that already add to the handful of question marks about this forward group.
So, on this Free Friday, let’s dive into those questions.
Is Anthony Duclair Physically Healthy Enough?
Duclair was limited to just 44 games in his first season on Long Island, with a noticeable drop-off in his skating ability after suffering a groin injury. The belief is that he’ll be fully healthy and ready to go for training camp, but the 29-year-old will need to prove he can keep up—especially if he’s penciled into a top-six role.
While Duclair brings value with his long reach and board work, if he can’t skate, it’ll be hard for him to help this hockey team on a consistent basis.
Who Is the Best No. 2 Center?
The Islanders didn’t replace Brock Nelson in free agency, which has contributed to the organization’s decision to move Mathew Barzal back to center. It’s a logical move, and likely one Barzal supports, but splitting him from Bo Horvat is risky considering the chemistry they’ve shown.
Barzal has also been more defensively sound on the wing—something Thomas Hickey touched on during Hockey Night in New York. Jean-Gabriel Pageau isn’t a No. 2 center, and while Calum Ritchie may be NHL-ready, he likely isn’t ready for that role just yet.
So, Barzal is the answer by default—for now. However, his struggles in the faceoff circle (career 42.3%) could impact his linemates. Could the Islanders pair him with someone more reliable on draws?
Is Maxim Shabanov a Top-Six Talent?
Shabanov will be given every opportunity in training camp and preseason to prove himself. The question is whether the 24-year-old can convince Patrick Roy that he’s ready to be a responsible, two-way top-six NHL forward.
If he can, his skating and playmaking would make for a dynamic pairing with Barzal—assuming someone on that line can finish. Like Maxim Tsyplakov, it wouldn’t be surprising if Shabanov starts in the bottom six to adjust to the NHL. But his skill set suggests he could rise quickly and significantly impact the lineup.
Can Jonathan Drouin Stay Healthy?
Drouin has elite skill, but the best ability is availability. Since 2019–20 (excluding the shortened 2020–21 season), he’s only surpassed the 70-game mark once. That came in 2023–24, when he played 79 games and posted 19 goals and 37 assists—a strong bounce-back campaign.
Last season, Drouin was limited to 43 games but still tallied 11 goals and 26 assists, a 20-goal, 50-assist pace. But pace means little if he can’t stay in the lineup. Given his expected top-six role, the Islanders need him healthy.
Who Should Play with Drouin and Horvat?
Patrick Roy has confirmed that Drouin and Horvat will play together. So who rounds out that line?
Drouin’s a playmaker. Horvat’s a finisher. They need a net-front presence—someone who can crash the crease, shoot in transition, and open space. Kyle Palmieri fits that mold. He may not be a prototypical top-line winger, but at 34, he still has the tools to score 20–25 goals.
What Does Barzal’s Move Back to Center Mean for His Wingers?
Barzal’s return to center means he needs linemates who can retrieve pucks and capitalize on his playmaking—especially in transition.
Duclair’s speed makes him an option, but Anders Lee and Simon Holmstrom might make more sense—if Shabanov doesn’t claim a top-six spot. We already know Barzal and Lee have chemistry. Holmstrom has been hesitant to shoot in the past, but he’s coming off a breakout year and has the skating and release to be an effective second-line winger.
What Role Will Maxim Tsyplakov Have?
We’re still waiting on Tsyplakov’s arbitration hearing, scheduled for July 29. Sources say the holdup isn’t money—it’s about his role.
Tsyplakov showed in Year 1 that he has the tools to be a power forward, but his flaws (turnovers, decision-making) limit his top-six potential. Those issues are fixable, and if he tightens things up early in camp, he could push for a bigger role.
Even if he ends up as a 20-goal scorer on the third or fourth line, that’s still a win for the Islanders. But if he cleans up the mistakes, he’ll make a strong case for top-six minutes.
Can Pageau Replicate His 2024–25 Production?
With more responsibility last season due to injuries, Jean-Gabriel Pageau showed he can still contribute offensively. He averaged just over a minute more per game (15:55 to 17:00) and posted 42 points—his highest total since 2019–20.
He also led the NHL in faceoff percentage (59.6%).
With Pageau on an expiring deal, the expectation is he’ll be moved at the 2026 trade deadline. That makes his early-season performance critical to his trade value. GM Mathieu Darche has told teams he won’t move Pageau unless blown away by an offer—but if Pageau’s production or PK value dips, that’s a risk.
What If Calum Ritchie Is NHL-Ready?
This might be the biggest question of training camp.
With Barzal, Pageau, and Cizikas all locked in, Ritchie doesn’t have a clear role—unless he earns it. He looked dominant at development camp and seems physically ready for the NHL. But can he prove it in training camp?
Would the Islanders consider starting him on the wing—maybe alongside Pageau? If he shows he’s ready to be a No. 2 center, would they rethink keeping Barzal and Horvat apart?
Ritchie is likely the future at No. 2 center, but at age 20, Darche won’t rush him unless he forces the issue.
How Will the Extras Shape Up?
As it stands, Pierre Engvall, Marc Gatcomb, and Kyle MacLean appear to be battling for the final two forward spots—if the Islanders carry a 23-man roster.
Engvall ended last season strong under Roy, but it’s unclear how the coach views him now. $1.15 million of his $3 million cap hit can be buried in Bridgeport, which is something to watch.
MacLean regressed last season after showing promise the year before. He’ll need to bounce back to stick.
Of the three, Gatcomb might be the most intriguing. He scored eight goals in his first 39 NHL games and offers upside. Ultimately, the final spot may come down to Engvall vs. MacLean—both of whom are not waiver exempt. Neither is Gatcomb.
Projected Lineup
Drouin-Horvat-Palmieri
Lee-Barzal-Holmstrom
Duclair-Pageau-Shabanov
Tsyplakov-Cizikas-Heineman
E: Engvall-MacLean-Gatcomb
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Lee had a great year last season. I was happy and surprised how well he skated and played. Hopefully 🤞 he can repeat that performance this year. There are articles circulating about what the Islanders should do with the Captain. JG and Lee have zero futures with this team, that is the honest truth. Both guys are excellent people and serviceable players. However this is there last year on the Island, so they either help on a playoff run and leave as an UFA or get traded in season. The next three years a lot of vets will be switched out. Young talent is coming and soon.
https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-prospect-pool-overview-25-26-new-york-islanders-get-ready-for-schaefer-and-ritchieNHL Prospect Pool Overview ’25-26: New York Islanders, Get Ready For Schaefer And Ritchie - Yahoo Sports
Great Article