Takeaways From Day 1 Of Islanders Training Camp
The New York Islanders opened training camp in East Meadow. Here are Stefen Rosner's key takeaways, injury updates, and standout performances.
EAST MEADOW, NY — The New York Islanders hit the ice on Thursday morning for the start of training camp.
The camp consists of three groups: two that combine NHL players and youngsters, and a third that is more of an AHL group.
Blue Group lines:
Drouin-Horvat-Shabanov
Duclair-Pageau-Holmstrom
Foudy-Ritchie-Gauthier
Veremyev-Romano-Jefferies
Romanov-DeAngelo
George-Boqvist
Aitcheson-Bear
Day-McWard
Sorokin
Hogberg
White Group lines:
Lee-Barzal-Palmieri
Heineman-Cizikas-Tsyplakov
Gatcomb-MacLean-Beckman
Larson-Highmore-Poletin
Pelech-Pulock
Schaefer-Mayfield
Warren-Mitchell
Odelius-Pulkkinen
Rittich
Lennox
Day 1 Notes and Takeaways
Injury Updates: Before camp opened, the Islanders announced Pierre Engvall underwent hip surgery. He’ll need 1–2 weeks before joining practice. Semyon Varlamov remains without a return timetable, though he’s skating. Both hit the ice early Thursday — Varlamov worked with Bridgeport goalie coach Sergei Naumovs, while Engvall skated with skills coach Troy Stevens.
Anthony Duclair: Coming off the groin tear that derailed his 2024-25 season, Duclair showed no hesitation. He skated hard and looked confident. Even if he’s not yet 100%, it was an encouraging sign.
Luca Romano: The 2025 third-round pick has speed to burn. He impressed just as much with his passing touch and sharp edge work.
Maxim Shabanov: With little physical play on Day 1, it was tough to fully gauge him. Still, the 5’9” forward’s skill was clear, and he meshed well alongside Horvat and Drouin.
Jonathan Drouin: Speaking for the first time since signing, Drouin said he reached out to Anthony Beauvillier and Derick Brassard before making his decision. He’s also been close with Duclair since age seven. Being slotted next to Horvat on Day 1, he said, was an honor — and a clear signal of the role the Islanders envision for him.
Calum Ritchie: Don’t read too much into him centering AHL-level linemates. The expectation has always been that he’ll start the season in Bridgeport. Friday’s scrimmage (two 20-minute halves) should give him a chance to showcase his NHL-caliber skillset.
Alex Jefferies: His release stood out. Jefferies buried several snipes, flashing the shot that makes him such an intriguing prospect.
Ethan Bear: Looking to re-establish himself in the NHL after spending most of last season with AHL Hershey, Bear said the stint helped him rediscover his game. He’s also close friends with Barzal — Barzal was the best man at his wedding.
Matthew Schaefer: The first overall pick looked composed well beyond his years. Elite skating, high IQ, and constant communication made him look like a 10-year vet. Pairing him with Scott Mayfield wasn’t surprising — but it did underscore the organization’s expectations for Mayfield, who finished last season largely as a scratch after the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Mathew Barzal: Still working his way back from knee surgery, Barzal may not yet be where he wants to be, but his skating impressed Roy and stood out as a positive early sign.
Emil Heineman: One of the most noticeable players on the ice. He showed off a sneaky, Clutterbuck-like wrist shot, going bar down multiple times from the slot. He’s not shy about shooting, which will be vital — even if he winds up on the fourth line.
