"The NY Islanders are a team in transition. Since the end of the 2024/25 season, the Isles have a new General Manager, new assistant coaches, have welcomed in some new talent and said goodbye to core players. With change such as this, if not done correctly, can have a tremendous impact; either a step in the right direction or misery for years to come."
"The NY Islanders for a decade had what was known around NHL circles as, " The Best 4th Line in Hockey". Their style of hard-hitting forechecking and energy made it uncomfortable for opponents and the energy the group brought helped lift the team and the fanbase. But now, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck have since retired (remaining with the Islanders front office and broadcast team, respectively), leaving only the veteran Casey Cizikas from the trio."
The New York Islanders are in transition after the 2024/25 season with a new GM Mathieu Darche, new assistant coaches, and head coach Patrick Roy aligned on roster direction. The team lost core fourth-line veterans Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck, leaving Casey Cizikas as the remaining veteran. The Islanders historically relied on a hard-hitting, energy fourth line that wore down opponents and energized the fanbase. Offseason additions including rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forwards Max Shabanov, Jonathan Drouin, and Emil Heineman have shifted play toward speed and freer puck movement. The defense must adjust to complement faster rushes, and playoff qualification remains uncertain.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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