A deeper look into each of the NY Islanders Restricted Free Agent decisions

The New York Islanders made their decisions on their restricted free agents. The squad qualified three and let the other seven enter unrestricted free agency. Here are my thoughts on why players were qualified and were let go to become a UFA. 

RFAs Qualified- forwards Alex Jefferies, Joey Larson and goalie Henrik Tikkanen

Jefferies was considered a top prospect a few years ago, but hasn’t been able to take that next step in the AHL. General Manager Mathieu Darche clearly sees something in the player that made him extend the qualifying offer. Jefferies was seventh on the Bridgeport Islanders in points with 29 and garnered 20 assists. Jefferies should play in a middle six role for the Hamilton Hammers next season and could be one of the main offensive producers next season.

Larson was an AHL rookie last season and had an impressive showing. Larson was eighth on the team in points with 28, and fourth on the team in goals with 17. Larson showed he could be a goal scorer for Hamilton next season and I think he would benefit playing on a line with Jefferies. These two could have a big year together next season in the AHL. 

Tikkanen progressed very well last season. He started in the ECHL and was called-up to the AHL and never looked back. In 29 games with Bridgeport he garnered a record of 17-9-1 with a 2.65 goals against average and a 0.897 save percentage. The save percentage should go up next season. While I don’t think he can be the Islanders third string goalie I do believe he’s a solid AHL goalie and will be a key piece for Hamilton next season. 

RFAs Not Qualified- forwards Max Shabanov, Marc Gatcomb, Matt Maggio, Eetu Liukas and Ruslan Iskhakov, defenseman Adam Bovist and goalie Tristan Lannox 

Shabanov had an injury riddled season in his NHL rookie campaign. He played in 44 games and showed flashes of being a top six NHL player, but could never get in a rhythm. He was scratched for many games at a time and when he was in the lineup, Shabanov was never in a top six role. 

This is a player that I thought they could’ve traded his rights and received a draft pick in return, but it doesn’t seem like there’s much interest in him and he could very well be headed back to the KHL. 

Gatcomb played a ton of minutes on the fourth line. He brought energy and physicality, but couldn’t finish enough opportunities. His role is replaceable and with the Islanders having a log jam at forward, he will probably look for a full time NHL role elsewhere this offseason. 

Maggio was the top prospect a few seasons ago and had his best AHL season despite his inconsistencies. Maggio was fifth on the team in points with 33, but fell out of favor with now Islanders assistant coach Rocky Thompson. Maggio was scratched for the AHL playoffs and it sounds like neither were interested in having him return to the organization, but I believe he will be able to find a new home. I still believe the winger could be a future fourth liner in the NHL. 

Liukas missed most of the season with an injury and is a similar player to Daylan Kuefler who the team re-signed. There was no roster spot for Liukas who signed in Finland earlier this offseason. Iskhakov hasn’t played in the AHL in two seasons and signed a short term deal in the KHL. His time in the organization has been coming to an end for a while now. 

Boqvist spent the entire season in the NHL, but it seemed like neither Patrick Roy or Pete DeBoer wanted to put him in the lineup. He recorded four points in 28 games this season, but was scratched for most of the year. He could head overseas or potentially sign on a two-way deal with an NHL team. Lennox dealt with injuries for most of his time in the Islanders system. He saw NHL action during the 2024-25 season, but allowed one goal on two shots and never made it past the ECHL system again. Lennox is still young and I could see him get a chance in another team’s system. 

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