"Here's the good news: If the Isles hang around the bottom of the league's standings long enough, they could finish with the worst points total in hockey. And for as bleak as it sounds, it could be a win for the Isles since they would land the best odds of earning back-to-back No. 1 overall picks. Ironically, their cross-state rival could give them a run for their money, given the Sabres' awful start that has seen them outscored 10-2 to open the season."
"But right now, things don't look much better on Long Island, with the Isles having just seven goals for and 13 against, seemingly unable to stop anyone while their scoring woes continue. If the Isles can bottom out and finish with the best odds to win the top pick, then they could see Gavin McKenna taking the ice along with Matthew Schaefer, setting up a potential Nathan MacKinnon-Cale Makar scenario on the East Coast."
"While a McKenna-Schaefer duo wouldn't be miracle workers immediately, as the Isles would probably be at least a year away from the playoffs, the optimism on Long Island would be at its highest since the 1980s. And we all know how that decade turned out for Isles fans. Still, with such a rich, deep draft class, the Isles could still find themselves in one of the most desirable positions out there. So, while the games might be hard to watch right now, early returns from Schaefer, three points and a goal in three games, and a high draft pick for 2026, re"
The New York Islanders have started the season with zero points, matching only the Buffalo Sabres, and have been outscored while scoring seven goals and allowing 13. The poor start raises trade and roster concerns and could prompt a fire sale before the Olympic Break if results do not improve. Finishing near the bottom could secure the best odds for the top draft pick and potentially back-to-back No. 1 overall selections. Landing prospects like Gavin McKenna and Matthew Schaefer could accelerate a long-term rebuild, with Schaefer already recording three points and a goal in three games.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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