Thomas Hickey's Intriguing Thought: Should The Islanders Try Simon Holmstrom At Center?
Can Holmstrom take Nelson's spot at center ice on line two?
How should the New York Islanders fill the Brock Nelson void in the long term?
Right now, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is playing the role of No. 2 center and while he’s brought more offense this season than last year, there’s a chance he’s on the move this summer.
So, what are the Islanders' options if a new No. 2 center isn’t coming through the door this summer or Patrick Roy wants to keep Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat together?
Yes, Calum Ritchie, the top prospect the Islanders received from the Colorado Avalanche for Nelson, will likely be in the Islanders’ starting lineup in 2025-26, there’s no reason to give him a huge role right off the bat.
It would make more sense for Ritchie to start as the No. 3 center and to find a No. 2 center, if Pageau is gone.
Here’s the idea that Thomas Hickey brought up to me the other day: