News Islanders Team Notes

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Tsyplakov files for arbitration

Rocky The Other Thompson | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Also: Rocky Thompson on Brent and Bridgeport.

There is a little more offseason business for the Islanders to do as one of their RFAs, Maxim Tsyplakov, was among 11 NHLers filing for arbitration.

That’s not too crazy — there are far more intriguing arbitration cases with players like Lukas Dostal and Kaapo Kakko — but it does put an endpoint on the negotiation window, as the sides will either reach an agreement or get one handed to them after the arbitration hearing window, which runs July 20 - Aug. 4.

Tysplakov is coming off his ELC ($950k cap hit) as a KHL import at age 26, so arbitration will give him a one-year deal with a new benchmark price after a so-so 10-goal rookie season. The Isles have a little over $3.9 million left in projected cap space with 22 of 23 spots filled, per PuckPedia, though that includes David Rittich in goal and Semyon Varlamov on IR, with a difference of $1.75 million in their cap hit).

Potential callups/replacements who aren’t in that 23 (e.g. Calum Ritchie, Matthew Schaefer when he signs) all have ELC-level rates, so that’s a fair picture of where they are, barring more summer intrigue and given Varlamov’s health is a question mark..

Islanders News​

• So yes, Tsyplakov filed for arbitration. [Post]
• In a rather angst-free season finale of Islanders Anxiety, Dan and Mike discuss the last week of intrigue and how things are just kind of cool right now. [LHH]
• We linked the raw video the other day, but here’s the official site write-up of Rocky Thompson’s media availability. He stressed building relationships with the players who will soon or one day be under his charge in the AHL, and his longtime friendship with mentor Brent Thompson. [Isles] And here’s Newsday version. [Newsday]
• Can Matthew Schaefer make the opening night lineup? [Newsday]
• That question, of course has a bearing on Isaiah George’s chances. [Post+]

Elsewhere​

• Here are all of the league’s arbitration filers. [NHL]
• Lars Ehlers took extra time and made lots of calls to feel like Carolina was the right fit. [NHL] It was an “emotional” departure from Winnipeg for him. [Sportsnet]
• At the other end of the spectrum, Jonathan “The Other” Toews “knew in [his] heart that coming home to Winnipeg was the right fit. [NHL | Sportsnet]
• J.J. Peterka is excited to escape Buffalo and take on a new role in Utah. [NHL]
• Apparently James van Riemsdyk is still playing, now signing with the Red Wings. [NHL]
• Try to excite yourself for the 10 top UFAs still on the market. [Sportsnet]
• R.I.P. Lyndon Byers, longtime Bruin of the ‘80s. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ers-news-tsyplakov-arbitration-rocky-thompson

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: CBA sealed, Edmonton gets Howard, prospects jump to NCAA

Just cut the penalties, okay? | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Also: Gatcomb gets a one-way deal, leaving Tsyplakov as the only arbitration filer.

While the new NHL CBA (now freshly ratified) that takes effect in 2026-27 mostly maintains the status quo but with several improvements here and there (plus a longer regular season), the world of “amateur” hockey continues to churn.

As Canadian junior players make the jump to the NCAA that was not previously available to them before U.S. courts cut the college “student-athlete” charade, a top NCAA player has changed his mind and jumped to the NHL via a trade to the back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists.

Islanders News​

• Will Marc Gatcomb be on the opening night roster? He and the Isles avoided arbitration and he got a one-way deal, but with the competition in camp he could still end up in a “first callup” role. [Post]
• That leaves Max Tsyplakov as the only Isles arbitration filing. His qualifying offer was basically for the minimum, so they have time to work out a better raise or see what an arbitrator makes of his rookie season. [THN]

NHL News​

Isaac Howard, the Hobey Baker Award winner, was traded from the Lightning to the Oilers, with whom he immediately signed an ELC. The Michigan State scorer — who previously transferred from Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA’s new transfer portal world — had said he wanted to stay at Michigan State to continue the championship chase. Maybe the chance to be a missing piece on a Stanley Cup finalist swayed him otherwise. There were no stories last night shedding light on this process, other than the Lightning acquiring prospect Sam O’Reilly in exchange. [NHL]

• The NHL and NHLPA officially ratified the 4-year CBA extension. They’ll post the full doc later, though most of the key details have already been shared. [NHL]
• Next year’s projected 1st overall pick Gavin McKenna has left the WHL to jump to NCAA Penn State. (For the education, I’m sure. And six figures in NIL money.) Will others join him? [Sportsnet]
• The Canadiens have done a lot, but they still have a hole at 2C like so many teams. [Sportsnet]
• Grading every team’s offseason. [ESPN]
• Evgeny Kuznetsov wants to come back to the NHL, his agent promises he won’t cost as much this time. Duh. [TSN]
• The Avalanche have hired Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach. [TSN]
• Evidently Jeff Tambellini played for the Lightning? He replaces Mathieu Darche as assistant GM there, his “third stint” with the franchise. [Lightning]
• Tyler Johnson, once part of the Lightning reign that is now fading, has retired. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...d-edmonton-gets-howard-prospects-jump-to-ncaa

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: The quiet and the Dobson; Drouin and our Beau lobbyist

Not a Johnson, but also not... | Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

A fascinating trade because the main piece has high potential yet is so uninspiring.

We’ve entered the second-quietest part of the NHL calendar, with the biggest names — to the extent there were any “big” ones — off the UFA market and only the arbitration hearing calendar to keep the usual Canadian professional liars from tossing their phones in the lake at the ol’ cottage.

The Islanders do have Max Tsyplakov on the arbitration docket, so there’s that to look out for, but the chances of that going too off-market or turning into a Tommy Salo situation are slim.

Meanwhile, the biggest Isles move of the summer continues to intrigue will be a fascinating one for the next several years. The team that gets the best player usually “wins” a trade, but in the case of Noah Dobson, there is a cap allocation consideration as well as the unknown futures of the two players they drafted (plus Emil Heineman, we need to somehow factor in his potential contribution even if it will never match Dobson’s).

Interestingly, it’s one of those futures-for-present moves that is getting praise for both sides, though certainly more of that is going to the Canadiens. The “what the hell is this guy anyway?” wild card of Dobson at 25 is what makes it intriguing. If he’s going to be the massive star some are making him out to be, then the trade is a huge win for the Habs, hands down. And yet...while “defensemen take longer to develop” and all that, the truly great ones have shown their potential before 25.

The Athletic actually had a nice breakdown of how things look, and while it gave the typical “if you have a chance to get a guy like this, you take it” angle on the Canadiens, it also conceded the warts in Dobson’s game that have made some of us okay with this deal:

Defensemen get caught flat-footed and puck-watching all the time. Mistakes are bound to happen in a high-paced league filled with scoring threats. However, the number of errors from Dobson was concerning last year, especially for someone asking for such a sizable raise. Technically, he was on the ice for fewer shots and expected goals against at five-on-five this past year, compared to 2023-24. But his fingerprints were on more goals against, which made his errors all the more glaring.

I really don’t know if Dobson will ever figure it out to be a true all-world, two-way guy that Team Canada says has to be on their blueline, but I think the chances are pretty low that the Habs ever deeply regret this trade. With the cap rising, at minimum Dobson should be a flawed but still productive offensive blueliner.

I know Alex Pietrangelo had warts in his game at 21, 22, 23, but he also was farther on the star curve and more competent in his own end (and the PK) than Dobson well before 25. Pietrangelo would not have had Butch Goring diplomatically scratching his head on a weekly basis as he seemed to about “the Dobber.”

Drew Doughty is of course an unfair standard, but he basically arrived at 19 being mocked about his weight and then immediately showed he was a force before he hit age 20. Point being, the truly great ones identify themselves well before 25. They take over games and inspire you with thoughts of “Damn, we could win a CUP with this guy.”

Dobson is somewhere short of that.

At the other end of the high-potential/hype, low hockey-IQ spectrum are the American Johnsons, Erik and Jack (no relation, other than the frustration they exacted on fans). They had skills, yes they did. They had hype, that, too. They had long careers even. But never, ever did they instill the confidence that they could be a #1 on a contender, except among certain GMs who ended up not contending.

Dobson is somewhere above that. But for me these examples help contextualize the decision the Isles’ new regime faced coming in.

Until this year’s trade deadline, I always assumed Dobson would be a long-term Islander, though I did worry he would ultimately be in the bottom tier of the league’s #1 defensemen. As if other teams would say, “Oh, he’s your top guy? That’s swell, but I’m definitely not jealous.”

For that reason, the Isles trading Dobson instead of breaking the bank for him — the Habs GM claims he took less to go to Montreal — follows a certain logic.

However, then there’s also the other variables that will always be there for this asset allocation decision, and the ripple of what Lou left us: With a rising cap that should have allowed a splurge, the Isles only forced themselves into a tough choice among Dobson and Alex Romanov because they have Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield all signed for combined AAV of $15.4 million through the next four years (and for Pulock and Mayfield, five).

That’s not a ton for your top four in the projected 2025-2028 cap world if they’re truly top four, but each of these guys is showing mileage that affirms it’s not 2020 anymore.

Not Only, But Also​

• This Isles fan visited every NHL arena, but the real takeaway here is calling Toronto’s Whatever-bank/tire Cent(e)r(e) “the MSG of Canada.” [Post]
• Rumored to be in their final season, Bridgeport announces “Sound Tiger” Saturdays. [THN]
• Anthony Beauvillier may be a rival now, but he’s still pumping Long Island’s tires as an unofficial ambassador to guys like Jonathan Drouin:

#Isles Forward Jonathan Drouin talked on #NHLTonight on @NHLNetwork about heading to Long Island! pic.twitter.com/L4kMUj0qFi

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 10, 2025​

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/7/12/24466184/islanders-news-dobson-drouin-beauvillier

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: In praise of Bruce, Jiggs; Tsyplakov on Year 1

We’re entering the final two weeks of August, “players seen skating” is in the air, Olympic orientation camps are around the corner, and the season that seems so far away is inching closer.

Islanders News​

• In praise of Bruce Bennett, who by skill and our great luck, has photographed 50 years of hockey including countless Islanders moments. I always thought about his career launching by covering the dynasty, but of course, it makes sense that he was also so close to the Garden, Philadelphia, (eventually) the Meadowlands and even Hartford, so he could shoot a lot of the early games. He’s now dabbled in bird photography, which is somehow even harder than shooting hockey. [Defector]
• Max Tsyplakov goes on a Russian show and discusses life in the NHL, greasy American food, Patrick Roy, the veterans who help but don’t let him control the playlist, his first suspension and more. [via THN]
• This day (couple days ago) in Isles history: Eliminating the Capitals in 2020, teehee. [Isles]
• Stan Fischler and others discuss Jiggs McDonald, who thanked teams for passing on Mike Bossy, John Tonelli and Mat Barzal. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Some 21-year-old named Frank Nazar who I should probably know but he’s a Blackhawk signed a seven-year, $46.13 million extension. [NHL]
• Three questions facing the Flyers including the evergreen one in Philly: What about that putrid goaltending? [NHL]
• Here are four has-beens that have already agreed to PTOs. [NHL]
• Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong seeks players with “ill will” and “determination.” [Sportsnet]
• In very standard fare, Auston Matthews discusses life without Mitch Marner. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...-in-praise-of-bruce-jiggs-tsyplakov-on-year-1

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: September time…

A long holiday weekend (with zero hockey news) and a flip of the calendar is behind us, which means anticipation for training camp and all that good fun is just about here.

Islanders News​

• Summer pick Daniil Prokhorovo has turned his KHL PTO into a two-year deal with Dynamo Moscow. That should put him in minor pros with a chance to play in the KHL; and it means he won’t be headed to OHL Sarnia, which also drafted him. [THN]
• Benoit Hogue, the fastest MFer in NHL 94 (did I “coach” him to a 40-goal season in that EA game? Yes. Did Steve Thomas eclipse 60 in that season? Also yes. Did I guide Pierre Turgeon to 180 points as well? Of course), takes a walk down the Hockey Card Wall. The adopted Long Islander says the trade that brought him here was the best thing to happen for him. [Isles]
• Emil Heineman was doing pretty well for Montreal before getting hit by a car. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• The Devils and RFA Luke Hughes reportedly disagree on term, with him trying to line up hitting UFA at the same time as his teammate brother. [NJ via Sportsnet]
• Patrick Kane wants to make one more Olympic team ‘n stuff. [Athletic]
• Zach Hyman doesn’t know if he’ll be ready for the season start after wrist surgery, but he’s on track. [NHL]
• For Mitch Marner, starting a family while getting death threats and unending harassment were good enough reasons to pull up stakes and exit Toronto for Vegas. [NHL | TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/42774/islanders-nhl-news-prokhorov-hogue

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: Prokhorov signs, Bennett honored

We are definitely in September now, as the Canadian sports news sites have called their staff back to produce The Content. There’s a modest wee bit of Islanders news as well…

Islanders News​

• Just after we talked about Danill Prokhorov getting an opportunity and pro contract with Dynamo Moscow (of the fading imperialist Russian invaders), now news has broken that he’s signed his NHL ELC. Not entirely clear where he’ll be this winter, but for his sake hopefully it’s not Russia! [Isles]
• Bobby freaking Nystrom walks the Hockey Card Wall. I have those cards he spots of him and Westfall and Howatt, though I bought them a decade afterward. He also talks about how Chico stayed on after practice to make those two grunts better. [Isles video]
• Islanders legend and one-time Devil Zach Parise is elected to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. [NHL | Sportsnet]
• And photographer Bruce Bennett! And…Devil Scott Gomez who was definitely involved with us somehow, I think as a mole with the redpants folk. [Isles]
• Ian Laperriere, previously and for quite a while with the Flyers, has taken a scouting gig with the Isles. Probably a Rocky Thompson connection but also maybe a mid-life realization that the Flyers are a terrible cult not to be associated with. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• Nonstop speculation of a far-off free agency departure? Drama around teammates? Quinn Hughes “can handle the noise.” [Sportsnet]
• The league and NHLPA agreed to bump up playoff salary cap compliance to the 2026 postseason. [Sportsnet | TSN]
• Can Kent Hughes get some cap flexibility, say, by trading Carey Price’s final year? [Sportsnet | TSN]
• Dave Lowry returns to Calgary to join their bench. Father of Adam managed 1,000+ NHL games as a player despite being not that strong a swimmer, so to speak. [TSN]
• The Senators will have a red (third) jersey again. Fortunately, it doesn’t harken back to their weird half-stare-at-you logo; unfortunately, it does appear to have some Vegas-style gaudy sparkly gold. [Sportsnet]
• Oilers CEO is totally not nervous about maybe losing Connor McDavid. [NHL]
• Former Predators owner and current Wild owner is totally not nervous about re-signing Kirill Kaprizov. (Impressively, he also gets in a “oh, poor us, we can’t survive in this 25-year-old arena that we just took gobs of millions to name after yet another casino” lament in there. Capitalism, baby!) [NHL]
• Edmonton schlepper talks self into McDavid staying: “There simply is no owner in today’s NHL who will make life better for McDavid than Daryl Katz — an Edmonton native who knows the intangibles count.” [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-nhl-news-prokhorov-signs-bennett-honored

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: Darche on duties; the Price of cap mules

Mr. Islanders and Ken Dryden, ca. 1979.

NFL (and I guess NCAA?) football season has begun, and I understand that is something very important for some of you. I hope your teams are all meeting your dreams (though I know many of you are Jets fans) and your players’ visible concussions are kept to a minimum. Also hope the officiating is better than in, say, the other “football,” but my Twitter feed tells me that’s highly unlikely.

Anyway, the beginning of Repeat First Down season means the NHL is around the corner, too. We aren’t there yet, but we’re getting closer.

Islanders News​

• Mathieu Darche is the latest GM to be featured in Pierre LeBrun’s “GMs take my calls” series. No new ground, really, but he talks about his experience leading up to the position, his approach, very generally on the “cordial” contract discussions that led to the Noah Dobson trade, and more. [Athletic]
• Watch the trailer for On the Island, a behind the scenes look at the New York Islanders. No, I’m not telling you to, that’s just how the teaser is worded. (However, “a new era with unprecedented access” is a wee bit of a hint that Lou Cloister Rules are gone.) [Isles video]
• Kashawn Aitcheson gets a three-game preseason suspension for checking the head. Naughty, they’ll be watching you. [THN]
• Danill Prokhorov’s season in Russia begins this weekend. He is officially signed to his NHL ELC but also loaned back to Russia. [THN]
• Speaking of Prokhorov, ranking the top bazillion NHL prospects under 23 includes a lot of Isles. Matthew Schaefer is already listed at No. 9. Marcus Gidlof is the seventh Islander, down in Tier 6 at 173. [Athletic]
• Jonathan Drouin and Anthony Duclair, old buddies and now Isles teammates, do a promo for their old AAA team. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• Damn! Ken Dryden died, age 78. [NHL] Friends and teammates remember the goalie and thinker. (Also: Fuck cancer.) [NHL]
• The Habs found a taker for Carey Price’s final year — at a bargain price of just a 5th-round pick — which should give Montreal flexibility and has San Jose safely above the cap floor. Here’s a column bizarrely praising him as a hero for agreeing to this paper trade. [Sportsnet]
• The latest in McDavid contract drama: turns out it’s a big decision. [NHL]
• Talking Kirill Kaprizov (headed toward re-signing) and other rumors. [Sportsnet]
• By far the best part of LeBrun’s GM access is insightful quotes like this from the Vegas GM on Mitch Marner: “Just really an elite, elite player.” Thanks! (The quotes do not get much better after that.) [Athletic]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/42793/islanders-nhl-news-darche-ken-dryden

 

[New York Islanders]

Isles & NHL News: Barzal’s mop returns; Wolf finds a home

Really no Islanders news just yet (but training camp is a week away and the media tours have commenced)…

• So at least here’s a ranking of top “under-the-radar” summer moves that includes Max Shabanov. [Athletic]
• And here are photos of Mat Barzal being Mat Barzal (and with hair) at the NHL’s North American media tour. [Isles]

NHL News

• The Flames have locked up Calder finalist Dustin Wolf for seven years at $7.5M AAV. The 24-year-old didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, but he is a later bloom. You hope there’s no Jim Carey to his story. [NHL] It’s a big deal and turning point for the Flames. [Sportsnet]
• The NHL and NHLPA are ironing out details for a 2028 World Cup, with 50+ cities expressing interest in hosting games. [NHL]
• A side effect of the Penguins’ rebuilding is that there are constant questions whether Sidney Crosby would accept a trade. But he’s not in that space yet. [NHL | Sportsnet | Athletic]
• Jack Hughes talks his brother Luke’s looming extension, though of course the headlines are the no-duh fact he’d love to play with Quinn, too. [Sportsnet]
• An entire column devoted to taking Elias Pettersson to task for not talking about his weight and personal life more often. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/42797/isles-nhl-news-barzal-wolf-hughes

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Rookie camp opens

The season is basically here! Rookie camp has opened, followed by full training camp next week.

Islanders News​

• Here’s the full rookie camp roster, along with other notes like Max Shabanov turning heads, and Josh Bailey joining Johnny Boychuk on the ice. [Isles]
• Matthew Schaefer feels much better prepared for the NHL than he did three months ago, having spent the summer in competitive skates with current NHLers like Nazem Kadri and Sean Monahan, among others. “They’ve helped me so much along the way, and gave me feedback on just about everything.” [Isles | NHL]
• Media availabilities from camp: Schaefer | Calum Ritchie | Kashawn Aitcheson [Isles Video]
• According to this view, Schaefer stood out. [Newsday]
• Denis Potvin’s Hockey Card Wall stroll is all about how he wanted #7, but a veteran (who was soon traded) had it. That smile he gives at the end takes me straight back to the 1980s. [Isles video]

Elsewhere​

• The Wild are at a crossroads as news leaks that Kirill Kaprizov rejected a massive 8-year extension. [Athletic] But Billy “McNulty” Guerin kind of denies it, in an effort to pretend all is fine. [Sportsnet]
• Jack Eichel enters his walk year but is “business as usual” and thinks he’ll be able to stay in Vegas. Don’t falter, Jack, they cut bait quickly. [NHL]
• Falling on hard times after being an All-Star in 2024, Alexandar Georgiev takes a one-year, minimum deal with the Sabres. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/42801/islanders-news-rookie-camp-opens

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Roy has options on eve of training camp

At long, long last, Islanders training camp has arrived. On Monday, the franchise held its annual end-of-summer golf fundraiser with some media availabilities to go along with it. Camp officially opens Thursday (rookie camp finishes up today) but look for more updates and random golf-outing content coming out all week.

Everybody except Semyon Varlamov (“skating” but TBD) is deemed healthy, so let’s get right to it.

• Patrick Roy touched on several topics, including focusing on special teams, early-sketch line combos with Mat Barzal at center and Max Shabanov lining up next to Bo Horvat. All subject to change, of course. [Isles]
• After hardly missing any games early in his career, Barzal reflects on dealing with injuries two of the past three seasons, including playing just 30 games last season. [Isles]
• Officially now, Patrick Roy and Anthony Duclair have cleared the air after Roy regretted ripping him late last season while Duclair was still playing hurt. (Let’s not do that again, either of you, ok?) [Newsday | Isles | TSN | Sportsnet]
• Emil Heineman is excited for his new adventure, and fellow Swede Adam Boqvist says fans will love his speed. [Isles | Post | Newsday]
• Max Shabanov “followed his heart” (and other friendly Russians) to Long Island. Mathew Schaefer envies his hair routine. [Isles | Newsday]
• Schaefer, now Mr. Babysitter for the Martins… [NHL]
• The golf outing featured some shenanigans, and guys only begrudgingly acknowledging Mr. “two holes in one this summer” Barzal as the team’s top post-Clutterbuck golfer. [Isles]
• In case you missed it, the first episode of “On the Island,” which will chronicle the season. [NHL] (The comments in YouTube reflect how overdue this kind of inside look is for many fans who endured the Lou Lockbox era.)

Elsewhere​

• R.I.P. Bob Goodenow, the star agent (e.g. Brett Hull) who took over the NHLPA and gave the association actual teeth after the Eagleson years, through a strike and a couple of lockouts. [TSN]
• R.I.P. Ed Giacomin, one of the few bright spots in Rangers history. [NHL]
• Peter DeBoer begins his campaign for his next job by doing an interview with NHL-dot-com, and sort of kind of regrets throwing his goalie under the bus? “It was on me, it was on all the coaches, it was on all the players, it was on the organization as a whole. We all created the disappointment. We were all to blame, not just one guy.” [NHL]
• Elliotte Friedman muses on what Kirill Kaprizov’s plans are. [32 Thoughts podcast]
• Lane Hutson had to answer questions about whether he’d stick with USA Hockey after his dad popped off about the Calder winner getting “snubbed” from Olympic camp. [TSN]
• NHL shooters discuss the best goalies. [NHL]
• The Hurricanes are proud to unveil a new away/white jersey that is less terrible than some of their past offerings. [NHL]
• Jordan Eberle doesn’t look right in the newest Kraken jersey, either. [NHL]
• The Capitals brought back the screaming eagle for their latest third. [NHL]
• The Red Wings something something “honor tradition” with their centennial jersey. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...anders-news-training-camp-patrick-roy-duclair

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Training camp roster, weigh in, try out

At long last, training camp is here — and lots of bodies.

Islanders News​

• Here’s the full training camp roster and boy there are a lot of high uni numbers that aren’t just minor leaguers. And a lot of numbers, period: 35 forwards, 18 defensemen, 8 goalies! Where do they fit all those pads? [Isles]
• Looking at potential training camp battles, of which there aren’t many, other than perhaps the extra forward and D, and which regulars line up where. [THN]
• Or putting it another way, 5 questions heading into camp. [Newsday]
• From the golf outing media availability: Actually gonna focus on some special teams this training camp. [Newsday]
• And Andrew Gross answers reader questions heading into camp for the Island Ice podcast. [Newsday]
• Photos from Media Day. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Some stories around the league as training camp begins. [NHL]
• And some PTOs, including Milan Lucic trying for one last go after getting sober. [NHL]
• Matthew Tkachuk is expected to be out till December. [NHL]
• Gabriel Landeskog, however, is expected to be ready to resume his comeback. [NHL]
• With Connor McDavid unsigned, Oilers GM Stan Bowman “takes him at his word,” because what else can he do at this point? [NHL]
• McDavid says he’ll know what to do when the time comes, “it’ll be a feeling.” [Sportsnet]
• That’s got Oilers fans in a panic, of course. [Sportsnet]
• Flames captain Mikael Backlund had no hesitation signing on with them for another couple of seasons. [TSN]
• The Utah Mammoth open a state-of-the-art practice facility yada yada, as franchises do. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...nders-news-training-camp-roster-special-teams

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Training Camp News: First steps

Nothing grand can be read from lines and pairings in the first days of training camp other than coaches’ initial thoughts, but the latter seems to be easing in 18-year-old (as of two weeks ago) Matthew Schaefer by pairing him with third-pair stalwart (and sometimes scratch) Scott Mayfield in a “big brother” kind of role.

• On Schaefer and Mayfield, who calls Schaefer’s first (skating) step “phenomenal.” [Newsday]
• Jonathan Drouin — wearing 29 which will confuse me for quite some time — says it’s an exciting time to join the Islanders, and he heard good things from Beau and Brassard. He’s starting lined up with Bo Horvat and Max Shabanov. [Post | Isles]
• To be clear, Drouin checked with Brock Nelson (his short-term teammate in Colorado) first before taking 29. May he bring more Brock and Kenny to it and less Pandolfo. [Isles]
• Here’s the full lines and pairings from camp’s opening. Commence “I can’t BELIEVE they have that guy next to this guy…” [Isles]
• Correcting the “all healthy but Varly” note from yesterday: Jonathan Drouin had hip surgery and will miss the first few weeks of camp. Man, it’s gonna be uphill for him. [Post]
• And as for Mathew Barzal, returning from his knee cap fracture? Skated well, Patrick Roy was pleased while slotting him between Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• This will be Anze Kopitar’s 20th and final season. [NHL]
• Kirill Kaprizov says there’s “a lot of time” to work out a deal with the Wild. Oh, between him and McDavid this is going to be a fun season for popcorn munching. [NHL]
• Alex Ovechkin is undecided whether this will be his last season. [NHL]
• Stuart Skinner has a “new physique,” so there’s that. “My body likes me at 215.” [Sportsnet]
• The Smurfs will celebrate 100 years of a complete lack of self-awareness by donning this MS Paint jersey, unveiled by a former Oiler and Canuck. [NHL]
• Speaking of them, Artem Panarin enters his walk year saying “it is what it is.” [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...nders-training-camp-news-schaefer-first-steps

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Special teams practice

The Islanders are on the ice and in uniform tonight for their first preseason game, hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at Belmont. The game will stream on the official website and app.

Islanders News​

• A home-preseason lineup with some of the Isles top players plus some “who’s that again?” guys. [Isles]
• Mat Barzal on returning to center: “like riding a bike.” [Post]
• Big broadcast news, and a natural evolution: Thomas Hickey will become the main TV analyst for most Isles on MSG, with Butch Goring remaining in a reduced role. [Newsday]
• The Isles spent Saturday focusing on special teams. [Isles]
• And in that setting, Tony DeAngelo raved about Matthew Schaefer, who will be in the lineup Sunday night. [THN]
• Also in the lineup: Long Island native Marshall Warren, living the dream. [THN]
• David Rittich likes Long Island (maybe Semyon Varlamov’s health will allow him to stay awhile?). [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Tonight’s opponent will be in mourning; Flyers great Bernie Parent has died at 80. [NHL]
• Evgeni Malkin has one year left on his contract but would like to stay in Pittsburgh. [NHL]
• One thing about each team as preseason games begin. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-preseason-gameday-special-teams-practice

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason: Class of 2025 debuts

The Islanders dropped the non-existent extra point in a lengthy shootout defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers Sunday. They’ve got another preseason game Tuesday, against the Devils.

Several picks from this summer’s draft were in the lineup, with Matthew Schaefer playing all phases (and receiving a couple of “Hey rookie, I’m an NHL ref” penalties). But Kashawn Aitcheson left the game and is “day to day” [Newsday] after being taken out by journeyman Noah Juulsen on an open-ice hit that appeared to get his knee:

Here is the hit on Kashawn Aitcheson that knocked him out of the game pic.twitter.com/E9X1S3gGV2

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 22, 2025

• Other takeaways from the preseason opener. [Isles]
• Patrick Roy was impressed with Shaefer. [Post]
• Post-game Video: Marshall Warren on playing, and scoring, in front of friends and family. [Isles]
• More video: Schaefer on his first “game.” Good start, lots to work on, etc. [Isles]

Luca Romano’s shootout move was extra:

TAKE A BOW, LUCA ROMANO pic.twitter.com/jyFKIHqi9D

— NHL (@NHL) September 22, 2025

And here’s Schaefer flashing some serious speed on the backcheck:

Holy shit what a backcheck by Schaefer pic.twitter.com/wKrTr2CxTY

— MF Isles (@MF1sles) September 22, 2025

Elsewhere

• The Hurricanes are holding Jaccob Slavin out for all of camp for “soreness.” The dude probably needs zero preseason, to be fair. [NHL]
• On Bernie Parent and a life well lived, penned by a friend and scribe. [NHL]
• A stalemate in Nashville with RFA Luke Evangelista, who has gone home to continue training. [TSN]
• Anaheim’s Masom McTavish is also at home without a contract. [Fourth Period]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...islanders-preseason-schaefer-aitcheson-debuts

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Jersey boys

The Islanders are back in preseason action for Game #2 tonight in New Jersey, where the Hughes brothers are colluding for a long-term family reunion.

Islanders News​

• The Isles returned a trio of prospects to their CHL teams, with Burke Hood, Tomas Poletin and Luca Romano {chef’s kiss} departing to bring the camp roster down to 58. [Isles]
• Jeez, it’s already time for a prospect report. This one involves some kids not at camp. [Isles]
• Here are the Islanders’ goalie masks for the season. Will all of them see game action? [Isles]
• Speaking of which, David Rittich talked about his struggles last season. [Newsday]
• Now you, too, can buy more stuff. For dollars on the penny, no doubt. (However, all proceeds go to their children’s charity, so you can feel better about splurging on that Cizikas game-worn helmet.) [Isles Originals]

Elsewhere​

• Guiding efforts for an expansion return to Arizona is Shane Doan’s wife. [Sportsnet]
• Probably something for your fantasy efforts: Alex Pietrangelo isn’t necessarily done, maybe. [TSN]
• Scott Laughton knows he wasn’t great after going to Toronto from Philadelphia, but an offseason may have helped. Or maybe he just is what many pundits said he was? [Sportsnet]
• Who are the favorites and the dark horses for the Calder Trophy? [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...42834/islanders-preseason-gameday-jersey-boys

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Aww, lookie the Rangers

The Islanders preseason game schedule continues tonight at the World’s Most Self-Congratulatory Arena and a meeting with the Rangers, who have a new coach and captain and are totally, absolutely, determinedly not going to be a little Post’s dream dysfunctional drama this year, they swear.

Islanders News​

• Roster updates: Anders Lee is out a “precautionary” 1-2 weeks, Max Tsyplakov is day-to-day, and Kashawn Aitcheson is headed back to juniors after getting a two-game taste. [Isles]
• Again, Lee will miss 1-2 weeks. [Newsday | Post]
• So it’s not a simulcast: Alan Fuehring gets the radio call. [Newsday]
• Takeaways from the 6-2 preseason loss in Newark: Calum Ritchie was decent. [Isles]
• This is 2025: “Unless injuries force the plan to change, the Islanders’ last couple forward spots will likely come down to a battle between MacLean, Gatcomb, Calum Ritchie and Pierre Engvall.” [Post]
• Cal Clutterbuck and Josh Bailey join the broadcast team to do a Manning-cast style altcast. Fuck, I’m old. [Isles]
• Cal Clutterbuck and Josh Bailey are excited to do a Manning-cast style altcast. [Isles]
• Alex Romanov aims to reward the Isles’ faith in him. [Post]
• It Has Been [97] Days Since The Athletic Covered the Islanders.

Elsewhere​

• Some teams will make the playoffs and some teams will not, and they play 82 games to answer that infinite mystery. [Sportsnet]
• It’s all in the Xhekaj family (and it’s pronounced “Churchman”). [NHL]
• Sigh. Because every prediction must now be a “bold” one. [ESPN]
• Rasmus Andersson is still a Flame. For now? [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-preseason-injuries-lee-tsyplakov-rangers

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason News: Bedeviled again; Duclair, beards return

The Islanders lost twice to the New Jersey Devils in preseason action this week, but a few bright spots included Anthony Duclair making a healthy appearance (and scoring) and Matthew Schaefer continuing to get reps (and assisting on that goal with a heavy volley toward net at 5-on-6).

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the 4-2 (EN) loss at home to the Devils. [Isles]
• And from the previous night, takeaways from a narrow win over the Rangers, focusing on Calum Ritchie getting reps. [Isles]
• There is a path for Ritchie to the opening roster. [Newsday]
• And Duclair has to prove he’s healthy. [Newsday | Post]
• Schaefer is trying to learn as much as possible before opening night. [THN]
• But the whole squad’s 5-on-5 needs continued focus. [Post]
• At long last, Pat LaFontaine will get his recognition in the Islanders Hall of Fame. [Isles]
• Beards are back. It’s no big deal, of course, but also notable that as soon as Lou is gone the facial hair and locks return in force. [Athletic]
• The Islanders visited the Ryder Cup, which I understand is a thing some people care very much about. [NHL]

Elsewhere​

• The Ducks and RFA Mason Mctavish finally reached an extension, six years and $42 million. “Man, that Pat Verbeek is such a tough negotiator.” [Sportsnet]
• Florida’s threepeat dream faces a huge hill with Matthew Tkachuk already out and now Aleksandar Barkov having ACL and MCL surgery, keeping him out 7-9 months. [Sportsnet]
• Torey Krug knows his career is over due to ankle surgery but the undrafted and undersized D-man is “at peace” with not going out the way he wanted. [Athletic]
• One of many terrible sports uniform developments of the last 30 years was Nike inserting hints of its “swoosh” into designs like the Denver Broncos and San Jose Sharks. Now, somehow, after they finally brought back their original look, that awful Nike-ified Sharks look has become a “heritage” jersey. I am barfing. [NHL]
• The Wild, on the other hand, are flashing back to their original era for their 25th anniversary. [NHL]
• Even more uni news: The Oilers get a “tan”(?). [NHL]
• Tim Stutzle says he has “a big upside” yet to be reached. [Sportsnet]
• Joke of an organization brings back a guy they dumped just to appear in practice. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...on-news-bedeviled-again-duclair-beards-return