"The New York Islanders finalized their Opening Night roster ahead of Monday's 5 pm deadline. The final cut did not feature any mind-shocking moves. As expected, Matthew Schaefer made the club. Also, Maxim Shabanov and Emil Heineman made the cut. Interestingly, an injury to Pierre Engvall spared the need to send him to waivers. That situation allowed the Islanders to keep Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb on the big club, while keeping Maxim Tsyplakov in the lineup."
"But beyond the evident final roster, it remains a work in progress. The injury to Calum Ritchie means that Mathew Barzal will line up as the second-line center. But when Ritchie returns, the lineup could shift. For instance, Patrick Roy may be tempted to move Barzal to the top line in order to free up a center spot for Ritchie. Then, there's Anthony Duclair. He's projected to start on the top line with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin."
"Duclair has looked healthy, and his confidence seems to have improved this season. If he can regain the form he's shown in the past, Duclair could have a resurgent season. But then again, Simon Holmstrom may get another look on the top line, potentially shifting Duclair. What about MacLean and Gatcomb? Are they destined for pressbox duty all season? Or, do we see them get into the lineup eventually?"
The Islanders finalized their Opening Night roster with Matthew Schaefer, Maxim Shabanov, and Emil Heineman making the club. An injury to Pierre Engvall eliminated the need for waivers and allowed Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, and Maxim Tsyplakov to remain on the big club. Calum Ritchie's injury pushes Mathew Barzal to the second-line center role for now, but Barzal could shift to the top line when Ritchie returns to free a center spot. Anthony Duclair projects as a top-line winger with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin and shows improved health and confidence. The blue line appears settled, with Pelech-Pulock as the top pairing, Romanov-DeAngelo forming a reliable duo, and Matthew Schaefer slated to be eased in alongside Scott Mayfield on the bottom pairing.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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