"The New York Islanders may not be surefire contenders yet, but they're a fun team to watch with a growing number of good young players raring to take them up a notch. They would be even better off in 2025-26 if they acquired a few more players to play integral roles in their lineup, who would either help them win now or in the near future."
"By filling these holes now, the Islanders' youngest players, especially Matthew Schaefer, would be able to focus more on their game instead of watching their backs every time they skated onto the ice. The Isles would also gain much-needed depth in two key areas that would erase a few questions of how much of a drop-off there would be if a player missed extended time with an injury."
"The Islanders can use one more team-first player to bump them up another notch. Someone in the mold of Casey Cizikas and Scott Mayfield would make for a great addition to the locker room, especially as the season progreses and the wear and tear sets in for the likes of Matthew Schaefer and Calum Ritchie, among others. Adding one more glue player would become even more urgent should the Islanders exceed expectations and look like true contenders as the playoff race starts to take form."
The New York Islanders feature a growing group of talented young players but still lack certain veteran additions to become true contenders. Filling roster holes would allow the youngest players, notably Matthew Schaefer, to concentrate on developing without constantly guarding against physical play. Adding depth in key areas would reduce the risk of steep drop-offs if players miss extended time due to injury. A team-first 'glue' player in the mold of Casey Cizikas or Scott Mayfield would strengthen locker-room leadership and durability through the season. A proven backup goaltender capable of substantial ice time would provide vital insurance for the starting netminder.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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