EAST MEADOW, NY — Since breaking into the NHL during the 2022-23 season, Simon Holmstrom has shown glimpses of offensive potential.
However, struggles with consistency have prevented Holmstrom from holding down a top-six role for the New York Islanders, as he has settled into more of a shutdown role alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
But the belief that he can be that top-six player hasn’t gone away.
General manager Mathieu Darche and head coach Pete DeBoer believe Holmstrom is ready to take that next step.
Quite frankly, after a quieter offseason with an eye toward the future — one that includes Holmstrom — they’re banking on the 25-year-old becoming that top-six weapon.
Simon Holmstrom Might Be The Islanders’ Biggest Internal X-Factor In 2026-27
We’ve talked a lot about how badly the New York Islanders need a top-six weapon, whether that comes via a trade or internally through draft and development.
I asked DeBoer why he believes Holmstrom is ready for that role as he enters his third season as an NHL regular:
“He’s one of the young players in the organization that we’re looking to take a step... You want to set the table for that and hope that they take advantage of that opportunity.”
When DeBoer arrived on Long Island with four games remaining last season, he experimented with Holmstrom alongside Bo Horvat.
I asked him what he saw then:
“Holmstrom has had a really good year. He’s a young guy, almost 20 goals. He deserves to play up in the lineup based on what he’s done so far.”
Following Thursday’s skate, I sat down with Holmstrom to discuss the opportunity in front of him.
But first, let’s get to the latest stories, which include the launch of our Hamilton Hammers coverage:
Crazy to think that we have reached the final Friday before hockey is back — Free Friday, that is.
Simon Holmstrom Q & A
Stefen Rosner: Just for you, right when camp started, you were placed on the top line with Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri. How much of a confidence boost was that?
Simon Holmstrom: “For sure. It’s definitely a great thing. I played a solid amount with both of them, and, you know, especially with Bo, and, you know, just happy to be on there and trying to do my best and to serve those guys.”
Stefen Rosner: You’ve had chances in the top six before. What gives you the confidence from where your game’s at right now that you could stick with those guys?
Simon Holmstrom: I think I’ve shown the last two years that I can definitely be in the top six and produce and play my game. It doesn’t really matter where I play; I still think I play the same way wherever I play. I’m just gonna keep doing that. And, that’s kind of why I think Pete has me up there. I’m not gonna change anything. So, yeah.”
Stefen Rosner: You’re in a contract year. Does that matter to you at all?
Simon Holmstrom: “No, I mean, my only focus right now is on this season and this team. We love it here and, yeah, I’m just excited for the season.”
Stefen Rosner: Ready to be 92 for the entire year?
Simon Holmstrom: “ Yeah, for sure. I like 92 a lot now. So, yeah.”
Stefen Rosner: What was the reason you went to 92?
Simon Holmstrom: “I wore it in juniors when we won in Sweden, so that’s a little lucky charm, hopefully.”
Stefen Rosner: You’ve known Emil Heineman for a while now. How much fun did you have this summer? I know you guys went to the U.S. Open here at the end, too. Just that bonding.
Simon Holmstrom: “It’s been great, and I think, you know, we got even closer this summer and played World Championship together as well, which was a ton of fun. Just a very, very close friend of mine, and I’m super happy to have him here.”
Stefen Rosner: How was your wedding?
Simon Holmstrom: “It was a lot of fun. Heineman was there as well. I think he—yeah, he had a lot of fun as well, so it was great. It was great.”
*Heineman told me with a smirk that he had a ton of fun. Said he might have had more fun than Holmstrom.