Islanders roster remains work in progress

The New York Islanders finalized their Opening Night roster ahead of Monday’s 5 pm deadline. The final cut did not feature any mind-shocking moves. As expected, Matthew Schaefer made the club. Also, Maxim Shabanov and Emil Heineman made the cut.

Interestingly, an injury to Pierre Engvall spared the need to send him to waivers. That situation allowed the Islanders to keep Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb on the big club, while keeping Maxim Tsyplakov in the lineup.

But beyond the evident final roster, it remains a work in progress. The injury to Calum Ritchie means that Mathew Barzal will line up as the second-line center. But when Ritchie returns, the lineup could shift.

For instance, Patrick Roy may be tempted to move Barzal to the top line in order to free up a center spot for Ritchie.

Then, there’s Anthony Duclair. He’s projected to start on the top line with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin. Duclair has looked healthy, and his confidence seems to have improved this season. If he can regain the form he’s shown in the past, Duclair could have a resurgent season.

But then again, Simon Holmstrom may get another look on the top line, potentially shifting Duclair.

What about MacLean and Gatcomb? Are they destined for pressbox duty all season? Or, do we see them get into the lineup eventually?

That situation could mean that the Islanders' lineup might be more of a living project rather than carved in stone.

Islanders' blue line looks set

As for the Islanders’ blue line, there doesn’t appear to be much room for discussion. The top pairing of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock is a lock barring injury.

Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo have gelled quite well thus far. They could be set all season unless injury befalls either one of them.

The only area where there may be some change could be the bottom pairing. First-overall pick Matthew Schaefer will ride with veteran Scott Mayfield. The pairing seems like a solid way of bringing Schaefer into the league without overburdening him.

However, there’s the chance that Schaefer may struggle at the outset. That may prompt the Isles to reconsider keeping Schaefer with the big team. So, that’s where Adam Boqvist enters the picture as insurance.

Beyond the possible uncertainty stemming from Schaefer’s first season, the Islanders' blue line core looks set unless injuries hit. That’s certainly a possibility. So, depth could become an issue moving forward.

For now, the Islanders’ defense core could be much better than analysts give it credit for. This blue line could end up becoming one of the NHL’s best if healthy for most of the season.