News Islanders Team Notes

Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Cocaine Hockey in Brooklyn (with guest Will Stevens)

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The “Ironclad lease” might not have lasted that long, but our memories of this era have.

Along with Will Stevens of Isles Meet Ups NYC we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Islanders’ sojourn to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and some of the players we connect to that era.

In October of 2012, the Islanders announced that they would start play in Barclays Center for the 2015-16 season, ending 40+ years of glory and struggle at Nassau Coliseum. Even the most hardened haters were encouraged by the news... for about five minutes. Before they moved into the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues, there were already problems; building was critiqued and criticized, the people in charge didn’t have a clue, and the fans weren’t happy while the players tried to make the best of it. It wasn’t long before an exit strategy - which turned into UBS Arena, back on Long Island - was needed.

Still, we have a lot of nostalgia for this very strange period in franchise history, especially for some players who made their only appearances with the Islanders during it. Whether they were disappointing trade deadline acquisitions, “veteran” presences, minor league call ups or constant healthy scratches, these players best represent the bastardized, black-clad, hipster bearded, Brooklyn version of the Islanders that, in spite of everything working against it, actually had some success.

Thanks again to Will for not only chatting but coming to us with the idea for this super duper-sized walk down Memory Lane. You can follow the Isles Meet Up groups on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to find the one closest to you.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL (there’s a lot)!

  • Davidson scored more own goals against the Islanders (2) than he did for the Islanders (1). And those own goals came in back-to-back games! Here’s the first, against the Panthers, that went off his skate. The second was a nice tip past his own goaltender, Jaro Halak, the next night against Ottawa.
  • Man, where do we start with J-F Berube? In the beginning... he led Manchester to a Calder Cup in the AHL, was claimed off waivers by the Islanders from the Kings in 2015 as Jaro Halak was hurt.
  • The thing was, Halak wasn’t hurt for long and Berube almost never played. He got into just seven games that first season and 14 the next, spending most of this “prime” either sitting on the bench or in the press box because the team was afraid they would lose him if they put him on waivers. This did not sit well with Halak which did not sit well with Halak and Berube’s agent Allan Walsh which did not sit well with Islanders GM Garth Snow.
  • But Berube did play! Here’s actual video evidence of his first NHL win, a 5-3 victory over Minnesota at Barclays Center (Will was at this game!).
  • After two years of this, Berube was selected by Vegas in the expansion draft thanks to a complicated deal Snow made with Golden Knights GM George McPhee. It was an appropriately strange ending to an extremely strange saga.
  • Berube finally resurfaced in Chicago as a free agent and spoke about the frustrating experience with the good humor we heard he kept the whole time.
  • After bouncing around some more, he’s currently back in Southern California as the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ director of goaltending. Good for him.
  • The Islanders signed Bracken Kearns, along with a bunch of other depth guys, to a 2-way contract in July of 2015. He led the Sound Tigers in just about everything that season and got a second deal the following year.
  • A Weird Islanders: The Podcast! First: video of an Islander taking a worthless penalty. Congrats, Bracken!
  • “Like the pennies at the bottom of a Trick or Treat basket” was the best way to describe your team acquiring Steve Bernier.
  • Bernier’s moment of infamy (that did not involve the Islanders): in a scoreless Game 6 of the 2014 Stanley Cup final, he smashes LA’s Rob Scuderi into the boards and gets a 5-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct. The Kings scored three goals on their way to the franchise’s first Cup.
  • From Nashville to Minnesota to New Jersey to Detroit, Zidlicky had a reputation as a good puck mover and offensive D-man.
  • The Islanders flirted with Marek Zidlicky for a while before finally going steady.
  • Weirdly, Zidlicky scored twice against his former team in a 4-0 win over the Devils in 2015 (Dan was at that game!).
  • There is only link one needed to sum up The Cole Bardreau Islanders Experience: Nov. 15, 2019 at Barclays Center, Bardreau becomes the first Islander to score his first NHL goal on a penalty shot (versus Ottawa’s Craig Anderson). Dan was there for this one, too.

What makes a “Weird Islander?”

We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

  • Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
  • Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.

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Islanders & Cup News: DiPietro 25 years later; Oilers on the brink

NHL: New York Islanders at Ottawa Senators

One of these guys got to play over 700 NHL games in net. | Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

A pretty fantastic playoff season nears its conclusion.

The Stanley Cup Final could end Tuesday...or it could linger on for another three days and a second consecutive Game 7. Either way it should be entertaining; this rematch has delivered, and really overall it’s been a great NHL playoffs with some outstanding matchups.

And no matter when it ends, we know the next milestone is qualifying offers and the draft June 27-28 in Los Angeles and 32 “decentralized” locations across North America.

Islanders News​

  • Twenty-five years ago this month, the Islanders’ trajectory changed with the drafting of Rick DiPietro 1st overall. The then-star goalie recalls that fateful week. [Isles]
  • Fantastic dude Thomas Hickey talks about meeting 50 youth players for an outdoor clinic. [Isles]
  • One rather critical decision for Mathieu Darche: Does he see Mathew Barzal as a center, or a wing? [Post]
  • “Surplus value” contracts for each team; Holmstrom, Dobson and Romanov for the Isles. [Athletic]
  • One free agent for each team to target: Staple recommends Nikolaj Ehlers for the Isles. [Athletic]

Elsewhere​

  • With another two-day gap between games, the Oilers get to face lots of questions about their slow starts. [NHL]
  • They were also admittedly still deciding on which goalie to put in net for Game 6’s do or die. [NHL]
  • It feels very weird to root “for” Brad Marchand, but that’s sort of where I’m at right now, impressed by his performance (also in recognition that at least he’s not Corey Perry). [NHL]
  • The first six names on each Olympic roster will be revealed today for some reason. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-news-dipietro-25-years-later-oilers-panthers
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 338 - Branching Off Into a New Timeline

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Hot Assistant Coach and Assistant GM Action!

Joined by Hockey Night in New York’s Sean Cuthbert, Mike and Dan “examine” the Islanders’ new hires and a potpourri of different subjects.

It’s been quiet around the Islanders lately while still-new GM Mathieu Darche conducts his business. But the team has announced some fresh blood in the form of new assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner and most recently, new assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel Ryan Bowness. We have no idea what these guys will do with the Islanders but their hirings give us a chance to laugh about bad penalty kills, penalty minute trivia and the Ghosts of Assistant Coaches Past (shout out to the great Jacques LaPerriere).

In the second half, we look at the draft one more time as the Islanders’ moment in the spotlight nears (but not fast enough). Can they get both Matthew Schaeffer and James Hagens? Is this all a conspiracy against the Islanders? How can this all go wrong? We also talk about changes the team can make beyond the roster to give them a higher profile than they were allowed under the previous regime. We want more organ music and less Empire State Building, unless Sparky is climbing it like King Kong.

Thanks again to Sean for coming on. Follow him wherever and keep an eye out for Hockey Night in New York on Twitch, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

REFERENCES


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  • Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
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Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.


Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...imeline-ray-bennett-bob-boughner-ryan-bowness
 
NHL News: The Pax Panthera; playoff beards; we drafted the better Reinhart

2025 Stanley Cup Final - Game Six

The perfect player does not exi—... | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, saving us all from several miserable alternatives.

The Panthers finished the job Tuesday night, and it wasn’t really ever close, as their optimal-team approach continued to frustrate the star-led Oilers on the way to a 5-1 (2EN) Game 6 win to secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

Impressive team, and the salary cap is rising just in time for them to potentially keep their core group together even as a few guys reach unrestricted free agency and peak market value (Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett, for example).

Meanwhile, Sam Reinhart continued his outstanding playoffs with four goals in the clincher (okay, two were ENG but still...they don’t discriminate when they look back, other than separating regular season and playoff tallies).

Just like Lindros back in the day, the Isles drafted the better Reinhart, right? (At least we eventually got Barzal from the exchange, from which team I forget...)

NHL News​

  • Denis Potvin on how the playoff beard tradition was born. Pretty criminal that the Isles and Kings played five games in four days coast to coast. Of course, Stan Fischler’s chronicles may have played a role [Athletic]
  • Matt Carkner has left Orlando for another “AHL opportunity.” Is he Bridgeport-bound? [THN]
  • The Oilers went back to Stuart Skinner in goal...it didn’t matter. [NHL]
  • Random morning skate-controversy involving Carter Verhaeghe who...oh, yeah, the Isles once had him, too. [TSN]
  • Didn’t have to update this much from last year: How the Cup-winning Panthers were built. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/6/18/24451291/nhl-news-panthers-stanley-cup-reinharts
 
Islanders & Cup News: Darche adds Bowness the Younger; Game 6

Bowness

“Take care of my large adult son.” | Photo by John Giamundo/Getty Images

The Islanders have another assistant GM, this time one chosen by the new guy in charge.

If the Islanders’ headline threw you, the body copy helped elaborate: They’ve added a Bowness to their front office, but it’s not their former coach (Rick) but rather his son (Ryan), who’s had pro management and scouting experience with three organizations.

Most recently, Ryan Bowness was with the Ottawa Senators, from whom he parted ways this offseason following general success with their AHL squad and prospect pool as their assistant and then associate GM. He was previously with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers in pro personnel and scouting roles.

Officially, he joins the Islanders as assistant general manager and director of player personnel. The inference is that he’ll have more of a hand in stocking and turning around AHL Bridgeport, but we’ll see when the team shares more.

Islanders News​


Bowness come in, but previously extended (under Lou) Chris Lamoriello and Steve Pellegrini will keep their titles. [Post | Newsday]

Hour of distraction

Need to avoid work/reality? Spend an hour on this 10-year-old Fort Neverlose documentary:

Elsewhere​


Game 6 is Tuesday night!

  • Matthew Tkachuk discussed the road to recovery from 4 Nations injury, being cleared to play but still not 100% in time for the first round. [Sportsnet]
  • Will never get tired of praise for Aleksander Barkov’s game. [NHL]
  • Jaromir Jagr discusses the Panthers, McDavid, and how it’s easier to play to age 40 now that they actually call the rulebook. [Sportsnet]
  • As teams unveiled their first 6 names for their Olympic rosters, the U.S. again avoided selecting goalies. They know they’ll have good ones...and they know a couple faced playoff doubts. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...p-news-darche-ryan-bowness-stanley-cup-game-6
 
NHL News: Trades, signings begin; Panthers face the mileage challenge

New York Islanders v Edmonton Oilers

“Let’s humble some roller kids.” | Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images

Nope, the draft isn’t this weekend either.

Now that the Stanley Cup is awarded, the postseason trades have begun, starting with a guy who inadvertently helped Florida’s Cup cause.

Speaking of which, the back-to-back winners now are the subject of “dynasty” talk, but with them already going to three straight finals, and two international tournaments (4 Nations, next season’s Olympics) mixed in, that is coupled with the long-term mileage question.

A reminder that in addition to everything else the NHL’s last true dynasty faced, the 1980-1984 New York Islanders had their stars in two Canada Cup tournaments during that crazy run — the second one in 1984 awkwardly featuring stars of both teams that had just met in back-to-back Stanley Cup finals.

Of course, those Islanders won 19 consecutive playoff series. The Panthers’ tally is at eight...

Islanders News​

  • The Next Nelson discusses life at Notre Dame and recalls being drafted by the Isles. [Isles]
  • Video: Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock take on some peewee roller hockey kids. [Isles] And here’s the write-up. [Isles]
  • In$ide the I$landers Plus: The Panthers are a reminder why the Isles need to become uncomfortable to play against again. (Of course, being good first would help.) [Po$t+]

NHL News​

  • The Panthers know three straight finals and two straight Cups is special, especially in this 32-team cap age. [NHL]
  • Mason Marchment, last seen removing Zach Hyman from the playoffs, has been traded to Seattle by the Stars. [NHL]
  • Erik Haula was traded to the Nashville Predators by the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. [NHL]
  • The McDavid Contract Watch has begun. He’s in no hurry. [NHL]
  • Who is in a hurry? Trent Frederic, apparently reaching an eight-year deal with the Oilers. [Oilers Nation]
  • After a couple of one-year deals, Matt Duchene inks for four years in Dallas, where he always wanted to stay. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/6/20/24452548/nhl-news-trades-signings-panthers-mileage
 
Islanders & NHL News: It’s draft week, finally

Syndication: GoErie.com

Not projecting, we’re just...projecting. | GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All eyes on Schaefer, who could be their top homegrown blueliner in a two generations.

The NHL Draft, and the Islanders’ fifth first-overall pick in their history, is finally in sight. The consensus/echo chamber is getting louder and louder about Matthew Schafer being the logical and perhaps very special selection.

We’ll see. The kid’s backstory of tragedies (losing his billet mother and then his own mother in pretty quick succession) continues to get headlines, so thankfully he’s cool with talking about it and channeling it into a positive space. But you’re also seeing more prospect watchers and coaches say or perhaps talk themselves into how he’ll be something special, how he controls play, how he Drew Doughty’s this and [insert comparable] that.

We can only hope! (If the Isles draft him, I mean.)


Get to know one of the top prospects of the 2025 #NHLDraft, Matthew Schaefer pic.twitter.com/y5bgzEowx2

— NHL (@NHL) June 22, 2025​
Click to expand...

Islanders/Draft News​

  • Schaeffer honors his late mother but does not let tragedy define him. (That’s the hockey media’s jop.) [Sportsnet | TSN]
  • The Detroit Red Wings, now in Year 9 of their epic rebuild, have reportedly asked about Noah Dobson, which is cute. [THN]
  • Another take on why Long Island’s own James Hagen fell from the top spot of the rankings. [Sportsnet]
  • Five more Isles thoughts five days before the draft. [THN]

The Athletic’s current Isles coverage is all listicles, which...ah, yes:


Today's my last day with The Athletic. Been a great few years.

Thanks for following along, #Isles, #NYR and #NHL fans -- looking forward to what's next!

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNHL) June 17, 2025​
Click to expand...

Elsewhere​

  • Oh, lo, the Mitch Marner chronicles: Horrible asset management by the Leafs [Spotsnet jukebox] The Leafs were “offered a meeting” with Marner but probably won’t take it. [Leafs Nation]
  • 32 Thoughts: More on that drama, and the Connor McDavid free agency countdown that will dominate oxygen consumption until it doesn’t. [Sportsnet]
  • The Oilers also need a goalie upgrade, which is much easier said than done at this time. [Sportsnet]
  • The Kraken dumped Andre Burakovsky on the Blackhawks. [NHL]
  • Jonathan Toews shall join his hometown Jets on a bonus-laden deal. [TSN]
  • Will Brad Marchand re-sign in Florida? Give me a contract, he says. [TSN]
  • Some tweet highlights and clips from the Panthers’ parading and partying. [Sportsnet]
  • That includes Czech tennis great Martina Navratilova joining them again. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/6/23/24453993/islanders-nhl-news-draft-week-schaeffer
 
Islanders News: Dwight, er Matt, Assistant *to the* GM; Rocky leads Bridgeport

Detroit Red Wings v New York Islanders

“Go print your business cards.” | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Martin retires, Rocky descends, Zdeno enters the Hall

The NHL Draft is just days away and there’s lots of Islanders updates (not draft-related, exactly), with Mathieu Darche speaking to media and shedding some light on recent developments.

Also, a longtime Islander retires upstairs and a longtime NHLer and former Isles gets the Call from the Hall.

Islanders News​

  • As you expected, Matt Martin has been re-signed...as Special Assistant TO THE General Manager. But seriously, with this comes the announcement of his retirement, 13 (regular season) games short of 1,000 — and a “Mr. Islanders” save for a two-year cash-in back in Taranna. May he enjoy the executive life and be taken under Darche’s wing. [Isles | Newsday | Post]
  • Fawning and fawning over the “aura” of Matthew Schaefer. [NHL]
  • Speaking of whom (maybe), Mathieu Darche spoke and, um, yeah, he’s not trading the #1 overall pick. He does aim to re-sign each RFA. He and Patrick Roy worked together in filling out the bench staff, with Roy “zeroing in” on names and Darche doing due diligence on them. [Isles | NHL | Newsday]
  • Rocky Thompson: Great name, hopefully better coach, for AHL Bridgeport. [Isles]
  • Who is honored with the prestigious Weirdest Islander of the Year? Who’s the runner up? Guess here, and find out by listening to the Weird Islanders podcast. [LHH]
  • It’s not Isaiah George, who hopefully has many more long stretches with the big club in the near future. [Isles]
  • Islanders legend Zdeno Chara, who also had stints with the Senators and Bruins, is elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. [Isles]
  • Stan Fischler’s son, a successful heart transplant recipient 30+ years ago, is in need of a new one. [Elmonters]

Elsewhere​

  • A very very long NHL trade candidate list that includes J-G Pagaeu. [Fourth Period]
  • Another long list of NHL trade candidates, from Nick Kypreos (which translates to Falls On Goalie’s Knee), includes Noah Dobson. [Sportsnet]
  • There were other Hall of Fame inductees, too, including Alexander Mogilny (finally! in his 17th year of eligibility) and Duncan Keith on his first ballot for some reason. [NHL]
  • Can the Flyers and Rick Tocchet unlock/reawaken Trevor Zegras? [Sportsnet]
  • Ol’ Islanders pal, recently fired as head coach of the Ducks, lands the head gig with AHL Iowa. [Athletic]
  • The Sabres would have “zero hestitation” moving the #9 pick, probably because they’re out of ideas at this point. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...rs-news-matt-martin-rocky-thompson-bridgeport
 
Islanders News: Ledecky returns to cheering as ‘future’ now beckons

New York Rangers v New York Islanders

He’s been let louse. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Look who’s no longer suffocated by the Ministry of Lou-formation

When Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky bought the Islanders, Ledecky was a face of ownership who clearly enjoyed interacting with fans and joining in the fun.

During the Lou Lamoriello years, steadily over time it seemed something...changed. Can’t quite put my finger on it, other than the coincidental trend of joy, information and individual expression being suffocated out of the franchise’s public communication. (Was that awkward “In Lou we trust” bit Ledecky’s last real public outing? It may have been.)

Anyway, it’s a new day. Ledecky spoke with media after the Board of Governors meeting and sounded like his old self. It is by no means essential to roster success for an owner to be the cheerleader; but if you have a non-meddling owner who likes to cheer on the team, it definitely builds a kind of “culture” with the community that follows a sports team.

Add to it a GM that actually sheds some light on some of his plans, and you just might have an entertainment product!

Meanwhile, with the draft on Friday, I do not advise checking the cesspool that Twitter has become. Lots of blue checkmarks spouting bullshit. J-G Pageau and Noah Dobson’s names keep popping up, but that platform does not hold intelligible answers.

Islanders News​

  • Ledecky said the “future is now” and the Isles are getting younger and faster. ““It’s going to be a new day in that respect and I think Mathieu supports that, which is the most important thing,” Ledecky said. “You need to have the support of your hockey operations people in that regard and Mathieu understands how that works.” [NHL | Newsday]
  • Mathew Schaefer is “by far the best prospect available,” so there. [NHL]
  • Explaining and understanding the NHL’s decentralized draft. [Isles]
  • Zdeno Chara’s legendary work ethic fueled his Hall of Fame career. [NHL]
  • Matt Martin’s wife pens appreciation for his career and their place on Long Island. [Post]

Elsewhere​

  • Wantaway Sabre J.J. Peterka was traded to Utah for Islander Killer Michael Kesselring and Son of Doan. [NHL]
  • Professional penalty taker and really poor gambler Evander Kane and his cap hit were traded from Edmonton to Vancouver. [NHL]
  • Adding Kane is a pretty big risk-small reward for the Canucks. [Sportsnet]
  • Gary Bettman gave his State of Things address, including that the CBA is close but nothing final, and expansion is still a “if a billion dollars drops in our laps then...” situation. [NHL | Sportsnet]
  • Trevor Zegras says he did everything asked in Anaheim, is ready to be his best self in Philadelphia. [NHL]
  • Only Stan Fischler could explain the Panthers’ success by comparing them to the Maple Leafs who emerged from World War II. [NHL]
  • There is something strange going on, where the Blues and Bruins are “modernizing” retro versions of their logos. The Blues one responds to popular demand and modifies their logo for the phone-dependent small screen digital age. [Blues] The Bruins one...features Michael J. Fox in the promo. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...cky-returns-to-cheering-as-future-now-beckons
 
Islanders 2025 Draft Day 2: Prokhorov, Romano, Poletin, Laurila, Hood, Kvasnicka

2025 NHL Draft

Almost too tall for the screen. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Isles generally got good “value” with their picks, though that’s often the story with the range of projections on Day 2.

The Islanders followed up their big day of three first-round picks with some value plays in the rounds that followed on Day 2.

Their first pick on the second day was 42nd overall, so that’s far from a guaranteed NHLer, but they took an intriguing prospect there who will be happy to be a prospect camp this week knowing Ilya Sorokin, Max Tsyplakov and Alex Romanov are in the fold.

Here’s a wee bit about their picks, in ever-receding level of info and confidence about them:

2nd Round, 42nd overall: Daniil Prokhorov, RW, 6’6”, 219 lbs., Dynamo St. Petersburg (Jr.), Russia​


Daniil Prokhorov is a tall, physical beast who likes to chase players down and lay big checks, and has a hard shot to go with his frame. Whether he hones his hockey sense and can develop the rest of his game is of course the question.

Some are pretty high on him, others caution not to be seduced by the big frame like some such Rempe.


#Isles second-rounder Daniil Prokhorov, through a translator, said he's always "motivated" to shoot. "As far as the NHL shot caliber," said he's looking to get stronger."
Does have "a pretty heavy shot," and is looking to improve it.
Pretty heavy shot might be an understatement.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 28, 2025​
Click to expand...

Anyone who has picked up RECRUTES DRAFT GUIDE knows that I am high on Daniil Prokhorov. Here is a shift with Russia's U20 team, three weeks after he turned 18, versus Belarus's U20 team.
He is 6-5.5, 220, folks, and severely underrated on public lists. Skates well, scores, is… pic.twitter.com/PD5ftyK4fm

— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) June 13, 2025​
Click to expand...

Prokhorov was at the draft in person, though alone. He said forget you, brother:


#Isles second-rounder Daniil Prokhorov, through a translator, said he had no family accompany him to NHL Draft because his brother is getting married today and they're all there.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 28, 2025​
Click to expand...

3rd Round, 74th overall: Luca Romano, C, 5’11”/6’0”, 177 lbs., Kitchener (OHL)​


Luca Romano is a speedster and great skater who had 25 goals in the OHL last season. Not a big frame, but great skating can get you lots of looks. He was ranked in the 40s and 50s by some lists, so getting him at 74 is not bad investing.


Everybody knows #Isles third-rounder Luca Romano plays with speed. What else about the center? "I think I have a really underrated shot. I think I'm good at pulling pucks through D or opening a lone to get the puck through and I can get it off quick and hard and accurate."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 28, 2025​
Click to expand...

4th Round, 106th overall: Tomas Poletin, LW, 6’1”, 206 lbs., Pelicans (Finland)​


Tomas Poletin now plays in Finland but was captain of the Czech’s U18 WJC team. He’s not seen as super skilled but very competitive, physical, drives to the net, etc. — the kind of tools that could maybe project him to be a 4th-line type.

He was scoreless in 15 games in the SM Liiga last season — watch every shift of his debut if you are so inclined — but that is the proverbial “playing against men” at age 17 context.

5th Round, 138th: Sam Laurila, D, 6′1″, 191 lbs., Fargo (USHL)​


Sam Laurila went undrafted last summer, which he admits motivated him. The USNTDP alum, NCAA North Dakota-bound, left-shooting defenseman had a more impressive year with Fargo of the USHL. He was projected to go in the mid-rounds Saturday.


ICYMI: Check out this exclusive feature from @WDAYnews on Force defenseman & @UNDmhockey commit Sam Laurila & his journey to the 2025 NHL Draft!#ForceNation⚡️ | #USHL pic.twitter.com/DIQCy2BXek

— Fargo Force (@FargoForce) June 26, 2025​
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6th Round, 170th: Burke Hood, G, 6′4″, 202 lbs., Vancouver (WHL)​


In the sixth round the Isles took their latest flyer on a goalie, Burke Hood from Vancouver of the WHL. Goalies, and late-round picks, are always longshot wild cards, so you never know. Hood has size and athleticism, the rest will be up to him.

Some fun highlights here:

Elite Prospects says: “Hood is a big goalie with strong athleticism. He is also a battler around the crease. He’s willing to embrace some contact when players try to take away his eyes, and he does a good job of continuing to track pucks, even when dealing with immense chaos.”

7th Round, 202nd: Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, 6′0″, 170, USNTDP​


With their final pick, they grabbed another very good skater in Jacob Kavsnicka, a RW from the US NTDP that is committed to NCAA Minnesota.

It’s a 7th-round pick, so you should never bet on them making it to the NHL. He doesn’t have high-end offensive skills, else he’d be a higher pick, but he’s seen as a good forechecker and “disruptor.” so if there’s one thing this and other picks indicate about the Darche regime, it’s that when all else is equal they’re going to emphasize high-end skating and mobility: When stocking depth, they appear to at least want guys who can play high tempo, vs guys who profile as grinders or checkers first.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...5-draft-prokhorov-romano-poletin-laurila-hood
 
Islanders News & NHL Draft Day 2: Three prospects in, six more picks to go

2025 NHL Draft

Feelin’ it. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Isles cut bait on Dobson, add three intriguing prospects to start off the Darche era.

It was a special day for the New York Islanders with a first-overall pick — one that was distracted by and perhaps facilitated a risky trade — but they came away from the day one top four/two defenseman lighter, but with three new solid to very good prospects.

Their treatment of their top pick was all class, sewing the initials of his late mother as well as a purple cancer awareness ribbon into his jersey, which took him by surprise and elicited tears on stage.

Here are the Isles picks heading into the second day:

  • 2nd round: 42nd overall
  • 3rd round: 74th overall
  • 4th round: 106th overall
  • 5th round: 138th overall
  • 6th round: 170th overall
  • 7th round: 202nd overall

Here are some of the best players still available. [Sportsnet]

Islanders News​

  • No surprise, with the first pick they took the impressive Matthew Schaefer. [LHH | Isles | Newsday]
  • Here’s why he might be a franchise defenseman. [Sportsnet]
  • Schaefer makes the Isles’ future brighter. [Newsday]
  • Five things to know about Schaefer. [Newsday]
  • Earlier in the day, though not announced by them, the Islanders traded Noah Dobson to the Canadiens for two first-round picks and winter Emil Heineman. [LHH | NHL | Post]

(Later, Mathieu Darche admitted they were trying to move up, poking around about James Hagens, but it wasn’t to be.)

  • Still, that left them with two more, back-to-back picks [LHH | Post]:
  • Victor Eklund “fell” to the Islanders, with teams apparently concerned about his size, but his skating, skill and compete level could make him a great pick.
  • Kashawn Aitcheson is seen as a potential top four defenseman, one with a mix of snarl and offense (though not quite NHL power play-level offense) in his game.
  • A tribute to Matt Martin, forever an Islander. [Isles]
  • Absurd grades (but worthwhile desriptions) on each pick, including “he was clearly the best prospect...so the grade is an A-minus” type logic. [Athletic]

Elsewhere​

  • The CBA still needs to be ratified, but an MOU has been reached that addresses all kinds of nagging issues, from LTIR playoff shenanigans, to paper AHL loans (no more), to deferred payments, EBUGs, draft rights and so much more. [NHL | Athletic | Sportsnet]
  • The Avalanche unloaded Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood on the Blue Jackets. [TSN]
  • Sam Bennett re-signs in Florida for 8x8. [NHL]
  • John Tavares re-signs in Taranna for a four years and a little over $4M per. [NHL] Tavares desperately wanted to stay. [Sportsnet]
  • Trent Frederic re-signs in Edmonton for eight years at $3.85M per. [NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/6/28/24457643/islanders-news-nhl-draft-schaefer-eklund-grades
 
2025 NHL Draft: Islanders select Victor Eklund at 16, Kashawn Aitcheson at 17

2025 NHL Draft

Sharp. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

A Swedish right wing and a bruising, scoring Canadian defenseman.

With their two mid-1st-round picks in the 2025 NHL draft, the New York Islanders selected Swedish right wing Victor Eklund at 16th overall and left-shooting defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson at 17th overall. This followed their big splash of the day, selecting Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick after trading Noah Dobson.

Eklund is listed at 5’11”, 169 lbs., and is the younger brother of William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks. Some compare the younger brother to Jesper Bratt based on his style and frame. NHL Central Scouting says he “led under-20 players in Allsvenskan in goals (19) and points (31) in 42 games. The 18-year-old had the most points by a teenage forward in the league since Nikola Pasic had 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) in 45 games for Karlskoga as a 19-year-old in 2019-20.”

Aitcheson led OHL Barrie in scoring last season and was third among OHL defensemen with 26 goals. He also likes to deliver big hits with his 6’2”, 199 lbs. frame: “He accomplished this while not sacrificing his fierceness along the back end. He can quarterback a power play and be a shutdown, in-your-face type performer,” NHL Central Scouting says.

Of course, these picks will always be judged against the remainder of the career of Dobson, whom the Islanders traded earlier in the day to Montreal to get these picks (plus Emil Heineman). There was buzz — maybe just Long Island fan hope — that the Isles were aiming to package them to move up and draft James Hagens, but if so that obviously was never happening, as the picks sequence leading up to Hagens going to the Bruins at #7 held no suprises.

The Dobson trade will be judged not just these two picks, but also whatever the Isles do in Mathieu Darche’s first summer as GM: Trading a top-four/pair defenseman in Dobson created a hole on an already aging blueline, but also cleared $9.5 million in cap space, based on the extension he agreed to as part of the trade.

But Friday night was about the young kids getting their introduction. Schaefer was the one we all expected and seems destined for a long NHL career; with a little luck, Eklund and/or Aitcheson will join him as part of a good story when we look back on this draft five, six years from now.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...anders-select-victor-eklund-kashawn-aitcheson
 
Islanders, Alex Romanov Agree to 8-Year Contract

New York Islanders v New Jersey Devils

Give it to him. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Also: Bridgeport under relocation threat?

The New York Islanders have made their latest long-term blueline choice: After declining to meet Noah Dobson’s terms (which ended up being $9.5M annually) on a long-term deal and instead trading him to Montreal, the Isles reached an agreement with former Canadien Alex Romanov on an eight-year extension.

Salary was not disclosed by the team, but around the time of the announcement, Elliotte Friedman tweeted that it was in the neighborhood of $6.25M annually, a figure also listed at Puckpedia.

It’s a huge commitment to Romanov, 25, who does not provide much offense but plays a very physical style — and has already dealt with a number of injuries.

Romanov was a pending RFA, so this deal buys out his remaining RFA years and onward through 33. It also makes him the team’s highest-paid defenseman by a hair over Ryan Pulock.

Separately but also big news, a report saying the AHL will return to Hamilton, Ontario, suggests the Islanders’ affiliate in Bridgeport will be the mover.


Isles say no comment to @frank_seravalli report their AHL team may move from Bridgeport to Hamilton, Ont.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) June 30, 2025​
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Nothing big happening, really...oh, and UFA season opens tomorrow!
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ers-alex-romanov-contract-exension-bridgeport
 
Islanders & NHL News: Schaefer gets started, Romanov stays long, free agency kicks off

2025 NHL Draft - Portraits

All behind you, kid. | Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

He looks beautiful, all the prospects look beautiful.

SO much going on as NHL free agency kicks off (though most of the big names are already off the board), the Isles announced a big signing, and prospect development camp is underway.

The Islanders officially issued qualifying offers to Simon Holmstrom, new acquisition Emil Heineman, Max Tsyplakov and Marc Gatcomb.

Notably, Samuel Bolduc — whose stock absolutely plummeted ever since an injury interrupted a “looked great in camp” fall a few seasons ago — and Scott Perunovich did not receive QOs.

Islanders News​

  • Alex Romanov, however, needed no qualifying offer because he re-upped for eight years, $6.25M per. Big commitment to the big hitter, but we’ll probably still love him while he’s healthy. [LHH | Newsday | Post]
  • Dan and Mike unpack an emotional and very pleasing draft weekend. [LHH / Islanders Anxiety]
  • Somewhat lost in everything else is a report that the Isles’ Bridgeport AHL affiliate could relocate to Hamilton. [Post]
  • Mathew Schaefer was among the new draftees skating for the first time as Islanders. Here’s inside his first day. [Isles | NHL | Newsday]
  • It’s been an absolute whirlwind, but Schaefer is focused on making the team this coming season. [Post]
  • Also appearing is Calum Ritchie, who hopes for a long career with the Isles. [Newsday]
  • Here’s the full development camp roster: 20 forwards, 13 defensemen, 5 goalies. [Isles | Newsday]
  • And here’s how they are grouped; also a too-short condensed clip of Mathieu Darche addressing the young pups. [Isles]
  • Emil Heineman thought it was “cool” to be traded to New York. He’s also looking forward to connecting with Simon Holmstrom again. “I have to ask him how he managed to bring his dog over—stuff like that.” [Daily Faceoff]
  • And more Swedish compadres: Calle Odelius was excited that Victor Eklund was drafted by the Isles. [Isles]

Romanov’s grown steadily since the 2022 trade—once limited with the puck, now makes smart, heads-up plays and brings real presence.

With a rising cap, $6.25M will be the going rate for solid 2nd pair D. If his upward trend continues, it’s a comfortable number. https://t.co/qwwoAAOaZf

— Thomas Hickey (@Thomas_Hickey14) June 30, 2025​
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When I look back at the Scott Perunovich era on Long Island, this is how I will remember it pic.twitter.com/SLTFlhk9FN

— Isles Den (@IslesDen) June 30, 2025​
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Elsewhere​

  • Alex Pietrangelo steps away for a season, may never play again due to bad hips. [NHL]
  • That’s really convenient for Vegas as they clear cap space for Mitch Marner who they totally did not tamper with while signing to an 8-year, $96M deal. Toronto gets Nicolas Roy in the exchange or rights (way more than you usually get for free agent negotiating rights, and perhaps hush money for their tampering). [NHL]
  • They also dealt Nicolas Hague to Nashville, who signed him for four years, $22 million. [NHL]
  • It looks like the Panthers will be able to keep the whole band together: Aaron Ekblad re-signed, and Brad Marchand appears to be retained for a six(!)-year extension that is too long but depresses his AAV ($5.33). [Sportsnet]
  • “Master class” by Panthers GM Bill Zito. [TSN Insider Trading]
  • All that leaves Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers as the two bigger UFA names. [Athletic]
  • The Oilers re-signed Evan Bouchard for four years, $10.5M per. [NHL]
  • Holy cow, Ivan Provorov gets seven years at $8.5M from the Blue Jackets. [ESPN]
  • Bill Guerin finally has cap space in Minnesota so he...takes late-career Vladimir Tarasenko for future considerations? Didn’t he buy out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to avoid precisely this kind of weight? [NHL]
  • Austin, Texas, throws its hat into the expansion ring. [Daily Faceoff]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...mathew-schaefer-free-agency-qualifying-offers
 
Islanders sign Jonathan Drouin, Tony DeAngelo, David Rittich, Ethan Bear

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Islanders - Game Three

Bygones shall be bygones... | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Some low-hanging fruit to fill in some holes.

The New York Islanders announced a few non-splash signings on the first day of free agency, mostly filling (or re-signing) depth needs but in one case at least adding a bit of intrigue.

The “headline” signing, if you’d call it that, is former 3rd-overall pick Jonathan Drouin, who has bounced around a bit but found his footing in Colorado playing with old junior buddy and Great Player Nathan MacKinnon.

While Mathew Barzal is of course not in MacKinnon’s class, he and Drouin both have dazzling hands that at least allow one to imagine some great connections. The Isles gave Drouin a two-year, $8 million deal, a considerable raise over last year’s $2.5M rate and probably more than most would’ve expected him to get. Isles GM Mathieu Darche should know Drouin’s dossier well having served in both of his former organizations (though Drouin went the opposite direction as Darche, from Tampa Bay to Montreal).

It’s an ultimately small commitment to a 30-year-old who should show high-end skill when healthy. The parts of his overall game that frustrated employers in the past have receded in recent years; the big concern and thing that has held back his production is injuries, including in 2024-25.

Meanwhile, the Islanders also:

  • re-signed Tony DeAngelo (who joined mid-season after exiting the KHL) to a one-year contract
  • added depth goalie David Rittich (previously of the Kings) to a one-year deal
  • announced several two-way and AHL signings, including Ethan Bear on a two-way deal

DeAngelo had 19 points in 35 games with the Isles last season. There were no reported flare-ups to match his reputation as a goalie-punching soloist, and he provided mobility and a little offense from the right side of the blueline. With Noah Dobson gone, there is probably more opportunity for DeAngelo if he can seize it.

Bear was a solid NHL defensemen before dealing with depression and anxiety, which ultimately caused him to enter the Player Assistance Program while a member of the Capitals. He was back last season, though only with Washington’s AHL affiliate in Hershey, where he put up 46 points in 62 games. As a sidenote, he and Mathew Barzal go back to juniors in WHL Seattle.

Rittich is a journeyman goalie from the Czech Republic who’s had one standout year (.921, 2.15 in 2023-24) but has otherwise struggled to clear .900. But with Semyon Varlamov rehabbing and inherently uncertain, they needed someone with NHL experience who can frankly be waived if necessary without being an attractive claim.

Here’s the rest of the signings the Isles announced with Ethan Bear.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...drouin-tony-deangelo-david-rittich-ethan-bear
 
Islanders sign KHL skillmeister Maxim Shabanov, re-sign RFA Heineman

Stepan Falkovsky (77) SKA Hockey Club and Maxim Shabanov (49...

Sure, intimidate him. | Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A skilled Traktor winger joins the fold.

The New York Islanders announced two more signings on Wednesday, one of them a fairly routine RFA re-signing (though of a new Islander), the other of a rather intriguing KHL import.

Emil Heineman gets a two-year extension for a $1.1M annual value. No surprise there for an RFA winger acquired from the Montreal Canadiens along with the two first-round picks in the Noah Dobson trade.

But then the headliner came, an ELC deal with the sought-after 24-year-old KHL winger Maxim Shabanov. The left-shooting Chelyabinsk Traktor star eclipsed a point per game (67 points in 65 games) in the KHL last season, which followed 50 points in 64 games in 2023-24. If you’ve seen any of his highlights, you know that he has some schoolyard moves not just limited to his considerable shootout prowess.

He’s only 5’8”, which is the primary caution. He’ll have to learn the NHL game and the North American rink, and surely there will be opponents looking to welcome him to the NHL with crushing hits. But if he can figure that out...intrigue awaits.

It’ll be interesting to see him joining the Isles’ Russian contingent, including big (and fellow Maxim) Tsyplakov and the long-term re-signed Alex Romanov.


Maxim Shabanov is a small but skilled/shifty forward with high end hands that allow him to create space to get in tight spaces around the net. He is known around the KHL for his stick handling, speed and agility. Certainly would be a nice add for the #Isles

Tsyp and Shab pic.twitter.com/XwtVFCf20P

— IslesCave (@IslesCave) June 15, 2025​
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Such a Shabanov kinda night fellas pic.twitter.com/DmFp77Zjcj

— MF Isles (@MF1sles) July 3, 2025​
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Shabanov will turn 25 in October, so his ELC at this age is a one-year deal.

Between him and the signing of Jonathan Drouin, there will be a skill infusion up front if they both pan out. How Mathieu Darche’s first month moves work out is up for debate, but this has not been a status quo offseason.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-sign-khl-maxim-shabanov-re-sign-rfa-heineman
 
Islanders & NHL News: Free agents were added

Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders

This guy, and that guy too. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Lots of depth for a transitional phase.

NHL free agency kicked off yesterday without a lot of huge names available nor moving, but it was still active. Mitch Marner’s move to Vegas was already a foregone conclusion, but Brock Boeser surprisingly stayed put and Nikolaj Ehlers did not yet pick his new destination.

The Islanders had several announcements, all reflecting a transitional state where they are not tanking but not throwing in the towel, instead leaving some flexibility for when the salary cap rises again and some of their older folks fade.

Islanders News​

  • The Islanders announced a bunch of signings, including adding Jonathan Drouin and bringing back Tony DeAngelo, re-signing RFA Simon Holmstrom, and others. [LHH | Isles | Newsday | Post]
  • You don’t sound that convincing: Cole Eiserman “thinks” he’s going back for another year of school. [Newsday]

Here’s Mathieu Darche’s presser, which was before some of the minor moves were announced. He fielded a question about whether Mathew Barzal might move back to center, and how Drouin can play wing and center, too. (Whatever you think of his moves, after two absurdly secretive regimes I am relieved to finally have a GM who actually thinks it’s worthwhile to discuss strategy with fans and media.):

Darche also confirmed Mike Reilly and Scott Perunovich will not be back. He wasn’t asked about Marcus Hogberg, but you figure he’s gone with David Rittich in the fold.

Elsewhere​

  • For real this time: Hockey media legend Bob McKenzie, who I first became aware of via his black-and-white mugshot next to his byline in The Hockey News back in the ‘80s, is fully retiring this time, he says. Though part of me still thinks he’ll come out of the woodwork in a few years to break the news that James Hagens is coming home. [TSN]
  • R.I.P Alex Delvecchio, former Red Wings player and GM. [NHL]
  • In a shock, Brock Boeser re-signs long term with the Canucks. After all that drama. [NHL]
  • Well, the Panthers kept most of the band together. But Nate Schmidt departs for Utah for three years, $10 million. [NHL]
  • Wow, okay: The Rangers offloaded K’Andre Miller to the Hurricanes, who agreed to take him on an eight-year, $60 million deal. Carolina sent 2026 1st and 2nd rounders in the deal. So there’s your Dobson trade haul comparable, maybe? [TSN]
  • That left room for the Rangers to add Vladislav Gavrikov — surely no tampering there despite it being telegraphed for weeks — for seven years. [NHL]
  • With oodles of cap space, Anaheim signed...Mikael Granlund for three years, $7M AAV. Okay then. That’s an instant “We’re not good, so we can afford it” move. The Little Ball of Hate is following the Yzerplan model, it seems. [TSN]
  • Glen Guluzan returns to Dallas for a second act as head coach, after Pete DeBoer burned his latest bridge. [NHL]
  • Cute, but Lou would never approve: Ducks pick Roger McQueen goes with the same number of the McQueen in some Disney movie I didn’t see because my kids weren’t born yet. [NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/7/2/24460230/islanders-nhl-news-free-agents-drouin-holmstrom
 
Islanders News: Prospects delight, Roy and Martin speak

New York Islanders Development Camp

What did we do to deserve this wholesomenss? | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Who authorized this engagement with fans?

The Islanders’ first summer prospect camp in five years has wrapped up, and it was a smashing success. Lots of new blood got their first exposure to the organization, while fans got to — imagine that! — interact and cheer them on.

Meanwhile, coach Patrick Roy and new Office Guy Matt Martin spoke with media after a very eventful week for the franchise.

Islanders News​

  • You never know how these will work out, but the Isles won the sweepstakes for diminutive but talented KHLer Maxim Shabanov, who should at least help the power play. [LHH | Post]
  • Patrick Roy had his post-prospect camp media availability, talking about the offseason moves, prospects, moving Mat Barzal back to center (with Jonathan Drouin on Bo Horvat’s wing) and also noting he regrets his harsh words about Anthony Duclair’s play late last season. [Isles | Isles video | Newsday]
  • Another sign of a new era: Matt Martin (now with hair beyond his ears, OMG the horror) was allowed to talk to the press about his impressions and transition from player to the front office. He’s pleased that so many prospects took time with fans this week. [Isles | Newsday] Here’s video of his availability. [Isles video]
  • With the Islanders having a summer prospect camp again, NCAAers like Cole Eiserman could attend his first. He sounds thrilled, and ready to build off a great freshman year. [Isles]
  • And here’s Rocky Thompson talking about joining the organization and taking over Bridgeport. [Isles video]
  • Highlights from the blue-white scrimmage. Prospects uniformly came away jazzed by the sold-out crowd cheering on a scrimmage. Also: Prokhorov is a giant. [Isles | Isles video | Newsday]
  • Get to know goalie draftee Burke Hood, who absolutely has to make the NHL because I need that name in my life. [Isles]
  • Flyers fans cope with missing out on Shabanov, try to convince themselves it’s for the best. [BSH]

Elsewhere​

  • Nikolaj Ehlers, the last premier free agent from this summer’s modest class, joined the Hurricanes. [NHL]
  • Brent Burns is still at it, chasing a Cup in Colorado at age 40. [NHL]
  • The Sharks added two veteran defensemen, including Dmitry Orlov (via UFA) and ol’ Islander friend Nick Leddy (via waivers). [NHL | TSN]
  • And ol’ friend Anthony Beauvillier has found a two-year home (maybe) in D.C. [NHL]
  • The Penguins sent goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to the Sharks. [NHL]
  • Bourne’s thoughts on all the UFA signings. [Sportsnet]
  • Evidently James van Riemsdyk is still active, played for Columbus last season, and joins Detroit for the upcoming season, which is approximately Year 9 of the Yzerplan. [NHL]
  • Evidently Utah was ready to bid a ton on Brad Marchand (they liked how he licked opponents). [RG]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-news-prospects-patrick-roy-matt-martin-speak
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 340 - Out of Nowhere High Note

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Excited to be intrigued again.

Mike and Dan recap another busy week for the Islanders, with free agent signings, a prospect camp and other energizing events to keep us buzzing through the summer.

The Islanders started free agency by giving big money to Alexander Romanov and retaining Tony DeAngelo, two somewhat surprising moves that had some fans shaking their heads. But as the signing window opened, some tidy pieces of business emerged: team-friendly deals for Simon Holmstrom and new guy Emil Heineman, an actual NHL backup goalie in David Rittich and a potential homerun in forward Jonathan Drouin. Finally, they snagged sought-after Russian import Maxim Shabanov, who saw the Islanders as the best fit for him. Suddenly, a pattern was formed of risk-free short-term deals that should help next year’s roster.

Meanwhile, the future continues to look bright after their first prospect camp in seven years let a new batch of Uncles grab some of the spotlight. Matthew Schaefer, Cole Eiserman, Isaiah George and others got to flash some skills and personality in front of clamoring fans, and saw the passion they can look forward to as full time Islanders. It was a surprisingly inspiring time and let us head into the offseason feeling good.

Finally, we take a tour around the NHL at some of the notable free agents who signed elsewhere and say good bye to the awful TSN Free Agent Frenzy Show (and, unfortunately, the wonderful Bob McKenzie).

Thank you all very much for listening this season. This is the season finale but Country Club tier members at the Patreon will get content all summer long including a special standalone Master Leaf Theatre releasing next Wednesday.

REFERENCES


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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-agency-drouin-shabanov-signing-prospect-camp
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 339 - Touched Every Emotion

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


People that I hate are telling me that these guys are good.

Mike and Dan recap a busy weekend of trades, a draft, signings and some clarity in the Islanders direction.

There’s so much to discuss that it’s easy to forget that the Islanders drafted Matthew Schaefer - the No. 1 rated prospect in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, a singular defenseman and an exemplary human - first overall. Schaefer’s introduction to Long Island has already been an event, and he hasn’t even played a game for them yet. Had they simply walked out of Friday’s draft with just him, it would have been considered a win.

But before the draft, GM Mathieu Darche made a huge decision, trading defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal for a pair of first round picks and depth forward Emil Heineman. The move shocked even those who expected it and wasn’t met with universal praise from Islanders fans, who saw the team’s best blueliner leave for futures and sign with the Canadiens for eight years. As we’ve learned more, it seems as if the player had a lot of leverage and Darche did the best he could.

The trade also set fans up for what they thought was a second shocking move. And while drafting James Hagens didn’t materialize, Darche did use the Habs’ picks to get two highly-touted prospects in winger Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, as well as even more rated prospects in Day 2. They’ve been getting great marks from the Prospect Perverts and Draft Grifters, which is better than getting raked over the coals. More than anything, it means that development has become a focus again after too many years of stitching the ship back together and hoping it floats.

In the last segment, we discuss two Bridgeport signings (one very surprising), the team’s Restricted Free Agents outlook and take a stab at some Unrestricted Free Agents they might take a run at.

There’s a lot to digest before Tuesday at noon when free agency begins.

REFERENCES

  • The biggest news of the weekend: Liam Fouty and Julien Gauthier are back for Bridgeport!
  • Just kidding. Everything else you need to know is on the front page of this very website. For something new, here’s Matthew Schaefer on Good Morning America on Sunday.

Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

PLUGS!​

  • Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
  • The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
  • Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
  • Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.


Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-nhl-draft-matthew-schaefer-noah-dobson-trade
 
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