"The New York Islanders are 0-2 to start the 2025 NHL preseason, but head coach Patrick Roy isn't concerned. In fact, he's encouraged. The Islanders have an embarrassment of riches in their forward group - which is a great problem to have, especially in terms of creating stiffer competition for spots on the team's Opening Night roster. Take, for example, New York's 6-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday."
"So, which "guys" could Roy have been referring to? Perhaps MacLean, who needs to have a strong camp in order to earn a spot in the Islanders' lineup after an up-and-down 2024-25 season. New York's lack of forward depth last season allowed him to keep his roster spot despite his ineffectiveness for stretches of time, but that changes this year."
"Islanders fans may be itching to see more of the likes of stars like Mat Barzal, Bo Horvat or Kyle Palmieri, but their time will come. Preseason isn't about them, anyway. Preseason games give prospects the rare chance to test themselves in NHL conditions while management evaluates"
Patrick Roy is unconcerned about the Islanders' 0-2 preseason start and values evaluation over wins. The team possesses deep forward depth, creating strong competition for Opening Night roster spots. The Islanders played prospects like Marc Gatcomb and Kyle MacLean against the Devils' NHL lineup to assess performance in game conditions. Gatcomb and MacLean are fringe candidates competing for final spots, and limited veteran ice time allowed the organization to test the youngsters. Roy emphasized preseason priorities, noting performance may simplify roster decisions. MacLean must deliver a strong camp after an uneven 2024-25 season as roster security is no longer guaranteed.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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