From Going Undrafted, To A Staple In Islanders Lineup, Kyle MacLean Defied The Odds
Kyle MacLean burst onto the scene during the 2023-24 season, earning himself a three-year deal and a spot in the Islanders' starting lineup.
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Before we get to Kyle MacLean, catch up on all the news from a busy Tuesday, starting with the opening night roster being announced and Pierre Engvall clearing waivers:
Duclair Confident & Capable Of Complementing Barzal & Horvat On Islanders Top Line - THN
Former Islanders Forward Jordan Eberle Named Captain Of Seattle Kraken - THN
Pierre Engvall Will Report To Bridgeport Islanders After Passing Through NHL Waivers - THN
Nelson, Palmieri Help Anchor Team Through Isles Training Camp - NY Islanders
EAST MEADOW, NY — From going undrafted following a five-year OHL career to spending over three years in the AHL, Kyle MacLean has defied the odds in becoming an NHLer with the New York Islanders.
His story is one of perseverance, passion, grit, and determination. Being assistant coach John MacLean’s son—it’s really cool, unique, and proud to see a son play for his dad—isn’t why Kyle is in the NHL.
It’s certainly not the reason he’s stuck around. Kyle’s work ethic is the reason.
“He’s an inspiration for any young guy,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “It’s funny you are asking about MacLean because Marchessault (undrafted) played for us in juniors, in Quebec. They retired his jersey. It’s a great inspiration for all the young players that are not drafted. Being drafted is one thing. How many guys get drafted and then never play in the NHL? There’s a lot. But there’s also a lot of guys that are not drafted who play in the NHL.
“It really makes those guys believe that they could still accomplish their dreams. There’s always a possibility if you’re resilient and you believe in what you’re doing.”
Since making his NHL debut on Jan. 19, MacLean hasn’t looked back.
Yes, he went down to the minors once Casey Cizikas got healthy, but he was right back up, becoming a staple in Roy’s lineup.
He even got a chance to play in a top-six role in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he was the team’s best player.
In 34 regular season games, MacLean scored four goals with five assists, earning himself a three-year contract extension worth $2.325 million ($775,000 AAV).
After a strong training camp, MacLean will open the season as the fourth-line center and a key piece on the penalty kill.
With how difficult training camp has been and the need to prepare mentally for the regular season, MacLean hasn’t taken too much time to reflect.
I gave him that chance when I asked him about reflecting after Sunday’s practice.
“There’s times when you have a chance to have all of those feelings,” MacLean told me. “I’m very appreciative of where I am, of where I was, where I’ve come from, and getting to this point. It definitely feels good.”
MacLean played in 193 AHL games with the Bridgeport Islanders before getting his first NHL opportunity.
“You appreciate it a lot more when you look back to those times when there was a lot of uncertainty of where your career will go,” MacLean said. “You just had to trust that the hard work will pay off and you’ll get there.
“It’s only the start.”
Like every NHLer, there’s times when doubt creeps in, especially for someone who doesn’t get the first-round ticket and plays year after year in the minors without being afforded a true chance.
That certainly was the case for MacLean.
“Yeah, there were a lot of times where I felt like my dream wasn’t going to become reality,” MacLean said. “I didn’t get drafted. I was on an AHL deal. I always felt like it was more of an uphill battle. There was a lot of uncertainty and a lot of doubt about what could happen and what will happen.
“It’s definitely nice looking back to those times, and it feels good that I trusted myself and trusted the hard work. Now, I’m getting rewarded for it.”
I asked Islanders veteran Brock Nelson, a former 30th overall pick, about MacLean defying the odds and thriving.
“It’s not something that the guys really talk a whole lot about, but it’s something that definitely doesn’t go unnoticed,” Nelson shared. “Everyone just sees how hard Macker works and how much he cares about the team and his own game. I hope he knows that we see that. Everyone appreciates how much he works, and he’s pretty underrated in terms of his skill set. He’s able to do a little bit of everything which is pretty awesome for us.
“He’s slowly but surely opened up a little bit. He’s getting funnier by the day. We don’t give him too much about his dad being an assistant coach, but I think each day, he’s just getting more comfortable. He’s a pretty funny guy.”
The moral of MacLean’s story is that when you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard, you can accomplish anything. That’s not just in sports but with everything in life.
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Bo Horvat Officially Joins Leadership Group
EAST MEADOW, NY -- With Cal Clutterbuck not returning, the New York Islanders had an alternate captain position that needed to be filled ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Former Vancouver Canucks captain and second full-year Islanders forward Bo Horvat will be the recipient of the "A."
Islanders Community Events & Calendar:
OPENING NIGHT!
Pregame Fan Fest at The Park. Scarf giveaway for all fans presented by UBS.
Alumni will make appearances!
Northwell Pond ice rink has returned to The Park at UBS Arena in addition to many kids and adult activities including:
Slap Shot Booth: The slap shot booth allows you to sharpen your accuracy and have some friendly competitions with your friends.
The Double Overtime Obstacle Challenge: This 45-foot obstacle course is for anyone up to the challenge.
Center Ice Bounce: The traditional moon bounce is fun for kids of all ages. o Northwell Mini Golf: Play nine holes with your family and friends through November before rooting on the Islanders.
Dunk Tank: Kids should get ready to make an all-foam splash.
Penalty Box Photo Moment: Take a lasting instagrammable moment with family and friends.
Heineken Beer Garden: The Beer Garden is adorned with twinkly lights, Solo Stove fire pits, and lawn games. Guests can warm up with hot chocolate or BYOB up to a 6-pack of cans per person.
American Express Igloo Garden: Hospitality area featuring six 12-foot wide heated and furnished igloos for added comforts.
Isles Lab Swag Shack: The Islanders will open a pop-up Isles Lab store, where guests can gear up or bundle up before game time with Islanders’ apparel.
Food Trucks: Rotating food trucks will offer guests a diverse culinary experience at fan friendly prices.
Girls Hockey Weekend at The Park at UBS Arena
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20
Click image below for more information
Complimentary Parking!
Once again for the 2024-25 season, those that drive a BMW can receive complimentary single-game parking in the Emerald Parking lot.
Please click the BMW | Islanders image below for parking registration information,
