New York Islanders Kick Off Training Camp with Fresh Energy
The New York Islanders are stepping into a whole new era this season. Training camp starts Thursday on Long Island, and the vibe feels totally different under new general manager Mathieu Darche. Fans are buzzing about top draft pick Matthew Schaefer, a push for more exciting offense, and even beards making a comeback in the stands. But let’s be real—after missing the playoffs last year and not advancing past the first round since 2021, the Islanders need wins to back up all this hype. Good feelings won’t cut it on the ice.
Here are the top questions and storylines as the Islanders gear up for training camp and the NHL season.
How Will Top Pick Matthew Schaefer Fare in His First Big Camp?
All eyes land on Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders’ No. 1 overall draft pick. The 18-year-old defenseman looks set to join the 23-man roster right away. He’s ticked every box so far, and since he can’t head to the AHL yet, the NHL is his spot unless camp overwhelms him.
But will Schaefer play every game, or start as the seventh defenseman like Noah Dobson did? He only played 17 games last year with OHL’s Erie Otters, so adapting to NHL speed will be key. Rookie camp impressed everyone, but now he faces veterans. Watch how quickly he makes an impact on the Islanders defense.
Can Rookie Maxim Shabanov Shake Up the Top Line?
Head coach Patrick Roy dropped a surprise Monday: He’ll start KHL import Maxim Shabanov on the top line with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin. Lines will shuffle before opening night, but Shabanov’s strong rookie camp has him in the spotlight.
The 5-foot-8 forward lit up the KHL last season with 23 goals and 44 assists for Traktor Chelyabinsk. He dazzles with puck skills and speed, but can he handle the NHL’s physical hits? Roy seems confident, so keep tabs on this Islanders rookie as training camp unfolds.
Will Special Teams Finally Click for the Islanders?
Special teams top the list of fixes for the Islanders. They ranked a dismal 31st in both power play and penalty kill last season, which sank their playoff chances. Roy plans to dive into special teams on Day 3 of camp—way earlier than last year—and dedicate tons of time to it.
New faces like Jonathan Drouin and Maxim Shabanov could boost the power play, while Tony DeAngelo might run the point again. Assistants Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner take charge of power play and penalty kill. If the Islanders improve here, it could transform their NHL season.
Is Goalie Semyon Varlamov Back to Form?
Backup goalie Semyon Varlamov remains a question mark. He only played 10 games last season after a knee injury and surgery setback. Roy isn’t sure if Varlamov joins Day 1 skates, but he’s already practicing solo.
Ilya Sorokin holds down the No. 1 spot for the Islanders, so the backup battle heats up. The team added David Rittich in the offseason, and Marcus Hogberg stuck around from last year. At 37, Varlamov must prove he can still deliver after all that time off.
Who Grabs the Bottom Spots in the Lineup?
The Islanders boast serious depth heading into training camp, sparking fierce battles for the final roster spots. Forwards Max Tsyplakov and Emil Heineman might land on the fourth line, bumping Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb to the AHL.
Prospect Cal Ritchie shone in rookie camp—if he pushes hard, it creates tough choices for the front office. Pierre Engvall, who surprisingly missed the cut last year, faces an uphill fight to return.
On defense, Isaiah George eyes a breakthrough. The former fourth-round pick impressed in 33 games last season after his call-up. He’d need to edge out Adam Boqvist or even top pick Schaefer to start on opening night—a tall order, but possible in this competitive Islanders camp.
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