The New York Islanders fell short of making the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by nine points in the standings and had a reasonable chance at contending for a berth before ending the season on a 3-7-4 streak.
The playoffs could potentially be within reach this upcoming season, but their chances hang in balance and depend on a new core finding chemistry together. However, a strong offseason from the latest GM Mathieu Darche has reinvigorated the roster and prepared the organization for a strong performance in the upcoming years. An impressive draft and key free agent signings have given an optimistic outlook on the Islanders chances this season and beyond.
Newcomers poised to make a splash for Islanders
The roster has seen a good amount of movement since the last time the Isles took the ice in April. Notably, defenseman Noah Dobson was sent to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two draft picks and forward Emil Heineman.
The most exciting addition to the team is undoubtedly Matthew Schaefer, who was drafted first overall at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in June. The dynamic defenseman signed his entry-level contract this summer and is ready to make an attmpt at earning a roster spot at training camp next month. It's yet to be seen whether he will make his NHL debut this season, considering the logjam on the blueline, but Schaefer is an immensely talented puck distributor and skater that will make an impact on the Isles for many years to come.
Schaefer is joined in the Isles' prospect pool by fellow first-round draft picks Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund. Aitcheson, also a defenseman, is a well-rounded player who can skate smoothly, shoot accurately, and land tremendous hits. Eklund, younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William, has been touted for his willingness to play the body, unwavering work ethic, and ability to generate chances from difficult areas. These young skaters are also a ways off from making the roster full-time but provide a lot of talent down the Islanders pipeline.
"There's been some hope restored and there's a direction with youth involved, and really talented youth. "Retired NHLer Cal Clutterbuck (nhl.com)
Darche also dipped into the free agent market by adding Jonathan Drouin and Maxim Shabanov. Drouin has been ham,pered by injuries in recent years, but still managed to tally 37 points in 42 games played this past season. The 30-year-old forward had 12 power play points for the Colorado Avalanche, which would have tied the Islanders' team lead on the man advantage, and New York desperately needs a boost in that regard after recording the second-worst percentage in that category at 12.6%.
Shabanov, meanwhile, was a highly sought-after undrafted skater coming out of the KHL. At age 24, he posted 24 goals and 67 points in 64 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk before leading the league in goals (10) and plus-minus (+14) in 21 playoff matchups. Shabanov figures to be a second-liner for the Islanders and can produce a high level of offense that the team needs to be more competitive.
It was a successful summer in the Islanders camp, and the team has a genuine chance at contending for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division if the new additions can play up to expectations. Even if this season results in a miss, there is tremendous optimism for the future of this club.
"There's a lot of excitement from us as a team. We're all looking forward to just getting back on the ice, getting together as a group and taking this in a new direction. We're in a spot (where) we did everything we could to become better."Islanders captain Anders Lee (nhl.com)