Every Islanders 2025-26 giveaway, ranked by fan appeal

New York Islanders fans have plenty to look forward to after dealing with yet a disastrous 2024-25 season. This offseason, the Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery for the right to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall and hired Mathieu Darche from the Tampa Bay Lightning as their new general manager.

It's not expected that the Islanders will immediately contend for the playoffs this year. But they are taking a step in the right direction. So, there should be interest from Islanders fans to check out some games at UBS Arena. Of course, much like any professional sports team, the Islanders will have giveaways for fans depending on the stock available.

Let's rank the best giveaways the Islanders have on the 2025-26 schedule. (Note: this list will be those not linked to a social theme night out of respect).

5. Yearbook Giveaway: Friday, Nov. 28 vs. Philadelphia Flyers

The first giveaway on this list is a yearbook giveaway on Friday, Nov. 28. The yearbook will be based on the 2025-26 Islanders season. While we appreciate the creativity of the giveaway, it really does feel like you are getting a program from the team that you can buy from the team store.

Compared to the other giveaways this season, the yearbook does rank near the bottom.

4. Islanders scarf on Opening Night: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Washington Capitals

The very first giveaway for the Islanders will be in their home opener on Oct. 11 when they take on the defending Metropolitan Division champion Washington Capitals. For fans who attend the game,. they will receive a complementary scarf, courtesy of UBS.

It's important to note that the Islanders don't have a limit on the scarves. All ticket holders for the first game of the season will get a scarf. While that's nice and all, the other giveaways this season are better.

3. Islanders ugly sweater on Home for the Holidays Night: Tuesday, Dec. 23 vs. New Jersey Devils

Now we get to arguably the most creative giveaway on the Islanders calendar. The team hosts the rival New Jersey Devils on Dec. 23 and it will be a holiday theme. The Islanders will giveaway an ugly sweater themed replica jersey.

But to ensure you get an ugly sweater jersey, you have to make sure you are at UBS Arena early, as only the first 10,000 fans are guaranteed to secure one. So be sure to get the arena early enough if you are looking for an ugly sweater to wear to holiday parties for the foreseeable future.

2. Bo Horvat Bobblehead Night: Saturday, Jan. 31 vs. Nashville Predators

Now we reach the top two. The Islanders will have not one, but two bobblehead nights. These are must-attend games for some fans. Not only because they can get an Islanders bobblehead for their collection, but also to potentially sell for auction.

The Bo Horvat bobblehead is the second one that will be available, and will be given away on the team's Jan. 31 game against the Nashville Predators.

Horvat joined the Islanders back in early 2023 following a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, and then signed an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Islanders. In his three seasons with the team, Horvat recorded 68 goals and 73 assists in 192 games played.

Fans thinking of attending the late January game can secure a bobblehead, but only if they are one of the first 10,000 fans in attendance.

1. Mathew Barzal Bobblehead Night: Wednesday, Nov. 26 vs. Boston Bruins

Now, we reach the No. 1 giveaway for the 2025-26 season, and that's the Mathew Barzal bobblehead giveaway on Nov. 26.

Barzal has etched himself as one of the Islanders' big stars since making his debut in the 2016-17 season. Barzal has made it to the All-Star Game four times in his career, and won the Calder Memorial Trophy for the Rookie of the Year in the 2017-18 season.

Through nine seasons, Barzal recorded 134 goals and 328 assists in 530 games played.

Given that Barzal has been with the team for nearly 10 years, it makes sense that he would get a bobblehead, and will probably be the most in-demand giveaway item of the season.