5 Free Agents The Islanders Could Still Target
With cap flexibility still available, the Islanders could explore adding another veteran before training camp.
It’s now been over a week since the New York Islanders added Matias Maccelli, Matthew Kessel, and Vitek Vanecek in free agency, shoring up depth throughout the lineup.
According to PuckPedia, the Islanders have $2.997 million in available cap space while carrying three goaltenders on the roster.
The Islanders are unlikely to operate with three goaltenders, meaning they can bury Vanecek’s entire $1 million cap hit in the minors if needed. That would push their available cap space to roughly $4 million.
It’s also worth noting that Matthew Schaefer’s projected $3.5 million performance bonus overage for 2026-27 could effectively be offset by moving Anthony Duclair and his $3.5 million cap hit.
Even if the Islanders finish close to the salary cap ceiling this season, they would still have avenues to absorb any overage, particularly if they create additional flexibility at the trade deadline.
Still, there are always ways to create additional cap flexibility.
While Mathieu Darche’s trade deadline decisions this past season didn’t necessarily reflect his stated desire to create opportunities for young players, that’s the philosophy he has consistently preached since taking over as general manager.
Realistically — and training camp will ultimately provide the answers — Victor Eklund is the only prospect I currently view as having a legitimate chance to make the opening-night roster.
Even then, nothing is guaranteed.
Yes, everyone hopes Cole Eiserman, Daniil Prokhorov, and Kashawn Aitcheson turn heads this fall, but all three would likely benefit from additional development time before making the jump to the NHL.
It’s a delicate balance. Darche wants to leave room for young players to earn NHL opportunities, but he also has a mandate to put the most competitive team possible on the ice.
With that in mind, here are five free agents the Islanders could still consider ahead of the 2026-27 season.