The quarter mark of the 2024-25 NHL season is now behind us, and the New York Islanders have posted an 8-9-5 record through 22 games. They currently find themselves in the middle of the Metropolitan Division and still in the playoff hunt, but they are far from being true contenders. It is evident that the roster needs improvement, and strengthening the team will likely require trades.
Where the Islanders Lack
The Islanders have had a lot of good, and a lot of bad, to begin the season. Amid Mat Barzal and Anthony Duclair’s injuries, the forward group has formed two solid lines: Maxim Tsyplakov, Brock Nelson, and Kyle Palmieri, then Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. With Duclair back on the ice skating and Barzal expected to return soon, the Islanders may finally have a more balanced top-nine. However, they still need to add one more forward to complete the lineup.
The Islanders’ bottom six has been historically bad to begin the season, but the recently formed third line of Simon Holmstrom, Casey Cizikas, and Pierre Engvall has been solid. The trio has provided speed, scoring, and defense, meaning they could become a viable fourth line once the roster is fully healthy.
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The Islanders’ defense is tough to assess due to the injuries to Alexander Romanov and Adam Pelech. Ryan Pulock has emerged as the team’s top defender during their recent stretch, while Noah Dobson has faced significant struggles. Meanwhile, Scott Mayfield has quietly proven himself as a reliable bottom-four defenseman. 20-year-old Isaiah George has held his own, recently notching his first NHL point, but the rest of the defense has uncertainty.
Recently, doctors found a heart issue with Mike Reilly following his concussion, so his timeline is unknown. Dennis Cholowski has been great in his short stint with the Islanders, but whether his play is sustainable is yet to be seen. Grant Hutton has been serviceable but is likely the player to be sent down once Romanov or Pelech return to the ice.
Given the Islanders’ potential when healthy and lack of cap space, they will not be able to make a significant addition to the roster, but they should still make smaller moves. The priority should be adding a forward, ideally one with speed and a scoring touch to play alongside Duclair and Barzal. Then, a…
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