The latest Islanders Mailbag covers why the team’s award-winning PR staff deserves recognition, why this is Simon Holmstrom’s biggest season yet, prospect battles, and more.
I'm a mark for Simon Holstrom. I admit it. Both Simon and Emil Heineman hit walls at portions of the season, but it was expected due to the compressed schedule.
I came into last year with tempered expectations. This year, I have myself positioned as "cautiously optimistic." I don't expect anyone to have the impact that Matthew Schaefer had, awakening a fan base that hadn't felt like this in a while, but I do sense there's someone that's going to take a big step forward for this club.
I know it seems like Victor Eklund might be that guy, and Isaiah George will get every opportunity to win a roster spot, but the guy I have my eye on already has one: Calum Ritchie.
If there was a positive effect on the Brayden Schenn deal, it was the effect he had on Cal's confidence. I expect that Schenn and Ritchie will both probably play wing this season more often than not, provided Mat Barzal can improve his face-offs. I like his presence around the net and his fearlessness he plays with in the dirty areas, once a trademark of our franchise. He should continue to be a part of the solution to our endless power play woes, and improve on his abilities to maintain possession and his defensive responsibilities. I think knowing he's an important part of this club's return to glory as a top six forward without the spotlight on him will do him wonders as we await the immenent arrivals of our new young core developing in Hamilton and below.
I'm glad to see the Public Relations staff getting their love, because it has been a massive shift in strategy since the glory days of the Old Barn.
It helps when the group's poster child (not fair, he's an adult, technically) is so likeable a human being as Schaefer is. There's a humility and just an honest joy he has playing here on Long Island that's both refreshing and impressive. The franchise is in good hands having been blessed with his presence. He will eventually wear the captain's mark, but for now we can enjoy Shannon Hogan and the PR staff playing with him and promoting him as the face of a franchise on the precipice of becoming not only relevant, but important again.
Stefen was on this, great to see it happen. I assume Darche and Gold had a relationship, along with a similar background and trajectory. We are collecting some impressive talent within the organization in many facets. It’s really positive that all these talented hockey and operations people want to be part of the Islanders organization. This is a credit to Malkin and Company Commitment to Excellence ! The top flight free agents will come, because the Islanders Organization has transformed themselves. The last piece of the puzzle 🧩 is Winning on the Ice 🧊! That’s starts with Pete’s Training Camp. The difference between making the playoffs and missing them is razor thin. It’s imperative they come out of the gate quickly and stay consistent throughout the year. Every game is important as we know. The injection of the young players is critical in changing the narrative of the last few years. Younger, faster, more effective forecheck, harder hitting and a commitment to defense. Pete has the pieces to make this team a playoff team. I think that’s what management is demanding as well as the fans. No excuses this team must get in regardless of the competition in the Metro.
I think the Islanders have improved every area of Hockey Operations and Fan Experience. They are investing in the entire scope of the franchise, trying to make it a premier franchise top to bottom. As far as Holmstrom he could be a top all around wing in this league. He has justified Lou picking him, now it’s up to him where the ceiling ends up. He is an excellent third line player now, that can play in any situation. Foudy will be on the fourth line for sure and can help on the PK.
I'm a mark for Simon Holstrom. I admit it. Both Simon and Emil Heineman hit walls at portions of the season, but it was expected due to the compressed schedule.
I came into last year with tempered expectations. This year, I have myself positioned as "cautiously optimistic." I don't expect anyone to have the impact that Matthew Schaefer had, awakening a fan base that hadn't felt like this in a while, but I do sense there's someone that's going to take a big step forward for this club.
I know it seems like Victor Eklund might be that guy, and Isaiah George will get every opportunity to win a roster spot, but the guy I have my eye on already has one: Calum Ritchie.
If there was a positive effect on the Brayden Schenn deal, it was the effect he had on Cal's confidence. I expect that Schenn and Ritchie will both probably play wing this season more often than not, provided Mat Barzal can improve his face-offs. I like his presence around the net and his fearlessness he plays with in the dirty areas, once a trademark of our franchise. He should continue to be a part of the solution to our endless power play woes, and improve on his abilities to maintain possession and his defensive responsibilities. I think knowing he's an important part of this club's return to glory as a top six forward without the spotlight on him will do him wonders as we await the immenent arrivals of our new young core developing in Hamilton and below.
I'm glad to see the Public Relations staff getting their love, because it has been a massive shift in strategy since the glory days of the Old Barn.
It helps when the group's poster child (not fair, he's an adult, technically) is so likeable a human being as Schaefer is. There's a humility and just an honest joy he has playing here on Long Island that's both refreshing and impressive. The franchise is in good hands having been blessed with his presence. He will eventually wear the captain's mark, but for now we can enjoy Shannon Hogan and the PR staff playing with him and promoting him as the face of a franchise on the precipice of becoming not only relevant, but important again.
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2026/07/islanders-expected-to-hire-evan-gold.html
Stefen was on this, great to see it happen. I assume Darche and Gold had a relationship, along with a similar background and trajectory. We are collecting some impressive talent within the organization in many facets. It’s really positive that all these talented hockey and operations people want to be part of the Islanders organization. This is a credit to Malkin and Company Commitment to Excellence ! The top flight free agents will come, because the Islanders Organization has transformed themselves. The last piece of the puzzle 🧩 is Winning on the Ice 🧊! That’s starts with Pete’s Training Camp. The difference between making the playoffs and missing them is razor thin. It’s imperative they come out of the gate quickly and stay consistent throughout the year. Every game is important as we know. The injection of the young players is critical in changing the narrative of the last few years. Younger, faster, more effective forecheck, harder hitting and a commitment to defense. Pete has the pieces to make this team a playoff team. I think that’s what management is demanding as well as the fans. No excuses this team must get in regardless of the competition in the Metro.
I think the Islanders have improved every area of Hockey Operations and Fan Experience. They are investing in the entire scope of the franchise, trying to make it a premier franchise top to bottom. As far as Holmstrom he could be a top all around wing in this league. He has justified Lou picking him, now it’s up to him where the ceiling ends up. He is an excellent third line player now, that can play in any situation. Foudy will be on the fourth line for sure and can help on the PK.