What is the story about?
As things stand now, in mid-August…do you see the 2026-27 Islanders as a playoff team?
Personally, I do not. Or rather, they’re a bubble team at best. A couple guys’ return to health might help, but it also might take a while for Kyle Palmieri and Alex Romanov to truly get back up to speed. Meanwhile, others continue to age and the team probably expects too much from Brayden Schenn.
But like Matthew Schaefer last season — to a much smaller degree, of course — maybe a prospect or two rise and make a difference.
As should Pete DeBoer.
Islanders News
- The Islanders U-23 prospect pool ranks #9, according to this one. Of course, that is heavily inflated by including the established NHLer and Calder winner Matthew Schaefer. Kashawn, single Malte, Daniil Prokhorov and The Next Nelson round out their top five. [Athletic]
- Adjusting to his new club (but speaking from home in Minnesota at Da Beauty League), Anders Lee “is pretty pumped” that Utah gets to host a Winter Classic. [NHL]
Elsewhere
- The end of an era: Sadly, Da Beauty League has seen its last season. [Athletic]
- Some lingering offseason questions around the league, like the star goalie in Winnipeg, the want-away captain in Detroit, and the cap crunch in Anaheim. [Sportsnet]
- On that last note, Cutter Gauthier has reportedly rejected a $13 million per offer from the Ducks. [Canucks Army]
- And then there’s a couple of RFAs in Washington who could be offer sheet targets next summer. [NHL]
