Islanders Holmstrom Details Number Change -Umlaut Included

Stefen Rosner sat down with Simon Holmstrom to discuss the number change, the addition of the Umlaut, his play, Jean-Gabriel Pageau's extension and more in this Elmonters exclusive.

Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters

Mar 13, 2026

PHOTO: Madison Peyser / New York Islanders

ELMONT, NY — When the New York Islanders acquired Brayden Schenn, Simon Holmstrom was kind enough to give the newcomer his No. 10.

He may have gotten a Rolex out of it, but, hey, it's still a nice thing for Holmstrom to do, as No. 10 has meant a lot to Schenn since he was a young kid.

Holmstrom has worn 10 for his entire NHL career, but previously had rocked No. 92 during his junior days. That’s the number he’s got now.

“I think it looks really good. It fits him,” Islanders captain Anders Lee said. “It is weird. I keep seeing 10 around — I know it’s Schenner — but just getting used to that. Still getting used to Homer in 92, but I think it looks good on him.”

I spoke to Holmstrom about the number change, the use of the umlaut (ö) over the second “O” in his name, where he feels his game is at, and his thoughts on his good pal Jean-Gabriel Pageau inking a three-year extension

Stefen Rosner: You seem to be playing some of the best hockey of your career right now. Would you agree?

Simon Holmstrom: “I think before the break, I definitely was. I really enjoyed the way I was playing. I think I had a pretty decent start. After the break, though, I know I can play better. I think the last game was a big step up again. I’ve just got to keep working on it, keep playing with confidence, playing my game, and help the team the way I can.”

Rosner: How cool is it to wear No. 92 again?

Holmstrom: “It’s definitely pretty cool. It felt weird the first time, to be honest. It was weird. The first time, I couldn’t even find myself out there when I watched my shifts. I keep walking to the wrong stall, looking for No. 10. So it’s been an adjustment, but it’s been good. I’m excited to see what 92 does for me.”

Rosner: Putting the umlaut on top of the “O” — you haven’t done that before in the NHL. What went into deciding to do that now?

Holmstrom: “To be honest, I think Berger (equipment) manager just noticed that I spell it with two dots over the ‘O.’ He asked me to take a picture of how it would look and said he would do it. So he did it. That’s how I spell my name, so it’s definitely fun. I’ve never had it before. As I said, Berger did an amazing job, and he was kind of the guy who got the ball rolling on that. So it’s fun to have.”

Rosner: Your line has really been clicking. What’s working so well?

Holmstrom: “I think we understand what everyone brings to the line. We know Lee is going to be around the net and work hard down low, winning a lot of pucks for us. When we’re in trouble, both me and Pageau can put it behind him and let him go to work on it. It just makes sense. We talk a lot out there, and we’ve built chemistry over the years. It’s been fun, and it’s been working, so we’ve just got to keep it going.”

Rosner: What did you think about Pageau signing his extension?

Holmstrom: “It’s unreal. He’s a massive part of this group and a big leader on our team, both on and off the ice. He’s huge for us on face-offs, in the defensive zone, on the PK, and everything. He’s putting up a lot of points as well, so he’s doing it all. We’re super excited to have him here for a few more years.”