Free agency is now less than a month away, and teams are looking ahead to when it opens. Even with the UFA crop being thinned out in recent months, there will be some quality veterans set to hit the open market in July, while many teams also have key restricted free agents to re-sign. We continue our look around the NHL with an overview of the free agent situation for the New York Islanders.
Key Restricted Free Agents
Other RFAs: F Marc Gatcomb, F Ruslin Iskhakov, F Alex Jefferies, F Daylan Kuefler, F Joey Larson, G Tristan Lennox, F Eetu Liukas, F Matt Maggio, F Maxim Shabanov, F Cam Thiesing, and G Henrik Tikkanen.
The Islanders enter this offseason with a notably light group of restricted free agents compared to many other NHL clubs. With several key young contributors already signed to longer-term deals, the organization faces fewer immediate contract decisions on the RFA side, allowing GM Mathieu Darche more flexibility to focus on veteran UFAs, potential trades, to help surround and support players like Matthew Schaefer in the lineup. This lean RFA class could prove advantageous in a cap-constrained environment, though it also shows the importance of continued strong drafting and development to replenish the pipeline.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents
F Anders Lee — The 35-year-old captain (turns 36 on July 3) wrapped up his seven-year contract with a respectable but down year: 19 goals and 42 points in 82 games. Known for his net-front presence and leadership, Lee remains a fan favorite and consistent performer around the crease despite the dip in production. Darche may look to bring him back on a shorter/lower-value deal if Lee is flexible, but the market could test the Isles’ priorities in a transition phase.
D Carson Soucy — Acquired mid-season from the Rangers, the 31-year-old left-shot defenseman played 30 games with 2 goals and 2 assists for the Isles. He provided some stability on the blueline amid injuries, averaging 15:27 TOI. As a veteran depth option, his next deal will depend on the team’s defensive needs and cap flexibility.
D Tony DeAngelo — The 30-year-old right-shot defenseman had a solid campaign playing in 76 games, contributing five goals and 35 points. As a UFA, he brings puck-moving ability that could draw interest league-wide.
G David Rittich — The 33-year-old backup appeared in 30 games posting a 14-10-3 record along with .894 SV% and two shutouts. His veteran presence could be valuable, but the already aging, thin goaltending market will dictate his future options.
D Adam Boqvist — The former eighth-overall pick in 2018 has bounced around but found a home with the Islanders. After signing a one-year, $850K deal for 2025-26, the 25-year-old Swedish defenseman appeared in 28 games, recording 4 assists while dealing with limited ice time hovering around 13 minutes per game. His underlying numbers were mediocre, but as a former high pick with offensive upside from the back end, the Islanders will need to decide whether to bring him back as he hits unrestricted free agency.
Other UFAs: D Ethan Bear, F Adam Beckman, F Matthew Highmore, D Marcus Hogberg, F Matt Luff, D Cole McWard, D Travis Mitchell
Projected Cap Space
The Islanders enter the offseason with approximately $10.7M in projected cap space, alongside a projected cap hit in the low-to-mid $90M range. While it is on the lower side, this still provides room to re-sign key pieces and select UFAs while filling out the roster conservatively. However, decisions on veterans like Lee and potential moves on the blue line (or elsewhere) could open up more flexibility as the team continues its competitive window alongside young talent.