"The New York Islanders have been a pleasant surprise this year. First overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who barely played last season because on an injury, has wasted no time being a franchise player. Now the Islanders are contending for a playoff spot in what was expected to be a rebuilding season. That means general manager Mathieu Darche is going to think of what he needs to add to this team."
"Here's a cautionary tale from within their own division. A few seasons ago the New York Rangers' Matt Rempe, and his bruising style of play, took the NHL by storm. The New Jersey Devils realized this element was missing from their lineup and hastily traded for Kurtis MacDermid from the Colorado Avalanche. MacDermid later signed a three year extension with New Jersey but was traded to the Ottawa Senators immediately prior to this season."
"The most glaring need might be protection for their young star defensemen Schaefer. In their 2026 World Junior issue (issue #7905), Ian Kennedy of "The Hockey News" listed a "bodyguard" for Schaefer as something on the Islanders wish list for the holiday season. "The Hockey News" specifically used when Nikita Zadorov of the Boston Bruins took a shot at him as an example."
The New York Islanders exceeded expectations as rookie Matthew Schaefer emerged as a franchise defenseman despite limited play last season due to injury. The team is contending for a playoff spot in a season expected to be rebuilding. Management must consider roster reinforcements, with protection for Schaefer identified as a top priority. Physical retaliation and hits have already led to penalties and a loss, highlighting the need for a protective, disciplined presence. A rushed or ill-fitting acquisition can harm team chemistry, as shown by another division team's trade for a bruising player who did not provide the intended value.
Read at Puck Prose
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]