New Additions: D Matthew Schaefer (1st Overall Pick), F Emil Heineman (from MTL), D Ethan Bear (1yr x 775k), G David Rittich (1yr x $1M), F Jonathan Droin (2yr x $4M AAV), F Matthew Highmore (1yr x $775k), F Maxim Shabonov (1yr x $975k)

Subtractions: F Matt Martin (Retired), D Noah Dobson (to MTL), F Hudson Fasching (to CBJ), D Mike Reilly (to CAR), D Samuel Bolduc (to LAK), D Scott Perunovich (to UTA)

Retentions/Extensions: F Kyle Palmieri (2yr x $4.75M AAV), D Adam Boqvist (1yr x $850k), F Julien Gauthier (1yr x $775k), F Liam Foudy (1yr x $775k), D Alexander Romanov (8yr x $6.25M AAV), D Tony DeAngelo (1yr x $1.75M), F Simon Holmstrom (2yr x $3.625M AAV), F Emil Heineman (2yr x $1.1M AAV), F Marc Gatcomb (1yr x $900k), F Maxim Tsyplakov (2yr x $2.25M AAV)

The New York Islanders have been criticized for their boring brand of hockey in the last decade, but that might be headed for a change. No, they did not fire coach Patrick Roy, who has yet to earn respect as a coach in the NHL, even with a Jack Adams Award to his name (won in his first season with the Avalanche in 2013-14). But they have parted ways with GM Lou Lamoriello, who was born in 1942 and turns 83 this October. Lamoriello had a way of going about his business that might be a little outdated; he limited his players to wearing certain select numbers like a peewee hockey team, and wanted his players to shave their facial hair and present a cleaner look. An interesting mind to say the least. Now that he is gone, we could see a newer, younger version of the Islanders, and get to know more of their personalities.

One player who is already showcasing his personality on social media this offseason is Matthew Schaefer, who was the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Islanders won the lottery (literally) with this kid, as he looks to be the next face of the franchise. They were not expecting to be picking first in the draft, as they were only the 10th worst team in the standings, with a record of 35-35-12 and 82 points on the season, they were only 9 points back from the final wild card spot. Within two weeks of saying goodbye to their old GM, the team won the draft lottery, giving them the first pick in the draft, marking a turning point for the Isles. Schaefer had 22 points in his first 17 games with the Erie Otters last season, and was well on his way to becoming the number one pick. Unfortunately, while representing Team Canada at the World Juniors, the young defenceman suffered an injury that would not only end his tournament, but his season. He was disappointed with that outcome, especially in a setting he was so excited to play in and represent his country and put the hockey world on notice. However, he stayed positive through his recovery process, and with what he showed in 22 games in the OHL, it was enough for the Islanders to take him with the top selection. All signs point towards him beginning the season in the NHL.

Unlike the past few number one picks, he joins an already solid team with plenty of pieces in place. Like down the middle, where the team is set at the center position with Bo Horvat, Mat Barzal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas. Horvat and Barzal are expected to lead the team on offense, as they are both proven scoring forwards in the league and have been for a while. Bo is coming off a down year, and Mat was limited to 30 games last season, they are looking to bounce back in a big way. Pageau and Cizikas are both great role players as they are very trustworthy options at the 3C and 4C. 

On the wing, they have veterans like Kyle Palmieri, Anthony Duclair and captain Anders Lee, who have been around the league for a long time, and have a knack for getting in front of the net, and making things happen. Fans are having deja vu as the team has now signed a sought after KHL player two years in a row. Last year it was Maxim Tsyplakov, who had 35 points in his first season, earning an extension with the team (2yr x $2.25M AAV). This year it is Maxim Shabonov who joins the team after a superb year in Russia, where he recorded 87 points in 86 games (including playoffs). The Islanders are hoping they have found another piece to their forward group, after Tsyplakov was a success last season. Jonathan Drouin also joined the team in free agency, signing a two year deal with a $4M cap hit, hoping to add some speed, skill and scoring to the group. After a 20 goal season, the team re-signed Simon Holmstrom to a two year deal. While they may lack any stars, there is no shortage of depth on the wing in Long Island.

The best player on the team only had 1 goal and 2 assists last year. Injured? No, he played in 61 games. Okay, I will give up the ruse, it is Ilya Sorokin, the team’s goalie (suddenly that one goal last season becomes way more impressive). Sorokin’s solid .907 SV% last season was a career worst, putting it into context how good he is. He has never had a GAA above 2.99, and won 30 of the Islanders 35 wins last season. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalies in the NHL, although does not have a Vezina Trophy to his name, but perhaps that changes this season. I think they would need to make the playoffs for that to happen, but I think it is certainly on the table.

Sorokin’s life is made easier by the defencemen in front of him. Despite trading Noah Dobson, it remains one of the better units in the league, and I think Schaefer is more than capable of replacing his offensive production. Other than the rookie, the D corps features shutdown guys like Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield, who are excellent in their own end. Ryan Pulock and (newly extended) Alexander Romanov both play a physical brand of hockey and can contribute on the rush. If Schaefer gets sent back down to the OHL (unlikely), the team is still set with Tony DeAngelo, who is a serviceable offensive defenceman who has experience running a top powerplay. The blue line truly has a little bit of everything and compliments one another nicely.

The feeling around this team is different than in years past, in a good way. For the last half decade, it has felt like we could expect the ‘same old Islanders’, a team that is not very fun to watch, might make the playoffs, but is not dangerous enough to do anything in them. Now with a few new faces, the Islanders could not only return to their winning ways, but do so in a less boring way. All eyes are on the rookie Matthew Schaefer as he can really turn this team into something special if he proves to be the player people are expecting him to be. Whether or not a return to the playoffs happens this year, New York has hope about their future, and good days are coming on the Island.