The New York Islanders are officially eliminated from playoff contention. That will remove the organization’s top goal after firing head coach Patrick Roy and hiring Peter DeBoer in a shocking, April decision. Now, DeBoer – who signed a multi-year deal in New York – will shift his attention towards getting a look at who could be future impacts.
That hope could lead to a true full-lineup rotation on Tuesday, offering more chance for depth players with multiple years on their contracts – like Emil Heineman and Kyle MacLean. It could also mean that AHL-eligible center Calum Ritchie will stick with the Islanders despite being eligible for the AHL’s Calder Cup Playoffs, per Rosner.
DeBoer could also be hoping to get a look at some of the Islanders’ top prospects. 2025 first-round pick Victor Eklund has already turned pro and has an impressive nine points in his first seven games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders. 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman also signed his first pro contract following the end of his sophomore season at Boston University. He has four points in his first nine AHL games. Both wingers could be candidates for their first NHL game in New York’s closing bout.
The Islanders could make a few changes to the lineup to fit in their budding prospects. One player who will most definitely sit out is veteran winger Ondrej Palat, who was scratched in a must-win game on Saturday as pointed out by Rosner. Palat has just one point in his last 10 games and five points in 28 games in New York as a whole since joining the team in a January trade. Palat is signed through the 2026-27 season at a $6MM cap hit.
With playoffs out of reach, the Islanders seem to be turning all focus towards the future. The team has pulled off a quick change in direction, largely thanks to the historic breakout of 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer. With the lead of Schaefer and other emerging prospects, the Islanders may be able to snap back-to-back playoff appearances next year.
Lamoriello fell asleep a long time ago, And, When he woke up, The Islanders were treading water, And, Really old.
Did Lou ever wake up? I figured he was in the hockey version of a coma.
Great point! Lol.