It's time to have a serious conversation about Simon Holmstrom

Simon Holmstrom is making his presence known, and that has more than been the case over the New York Islanders' last four matchups. While Holmstrom couldn't bail out the Islanders in their dismal 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, he has a solid four points and two goals since the Isles upended the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 21.

That's a stark contrast to what Holmstrom had given the Islanders during the first five games of the season, when he put up just one point and averaged 12:44 of total ice time per game. In those last four games, his ice time climbed to 16:58, so the Islanders' coaching staff is noticing that, when Holmstrom is on the ice more often, the Isles are playing much better hockey. 

Holmstrom also needs to be out on the ice more to begin with, as he's a pivotal part of the youth movement on Long Island who are shoo-ins to be part of the new core alongside Mathew Barzal, Emil Heineman, Alexander Romanov, and Matthew Schaefer. 

Simon Holmstrom can force his way into transforming into a key player for the Islanders

Last season, Holmstrom showed signs of intense growth, with 45 points and 20 goals in 75 games with a plus-5 across 16:52 of average total ice time. He was on the ice for 53 of the Islanders' goals at even strength, with an 11.5 on-ice shooting percentage, showing that he can contribute offensively when he's not picking up an assist or firing the puck at the net.

Holmstrom has also shown he can play in every situation, including the power play and penalty kill. The latter is where Holmstrom shines the most, having been on the ice for 13 career short-handed goals while putting seven of them into the net, including five in 2023-24.

Holmstrom isn't without his flaws, noted by his current 43.7 Corsi For percentage at even strength and his current 84.2 on-ice save percentage. He's been on the ice for nine goals allowed in the same situation as he and the Isles have been inconsistent defensively all season. Still, he's making the necessary impact to be one of the key fixtures on Long Island.

New York Islanders could use more Simon Holmstrom types of players

The Islanders could be closing in on "panic mode," even if it's still early. Should that occur, then selling off a couple of veterans early if some of the younger prospects in the AHL look ready to make the jump makes sense here.

If the Islanders are, at best, a 0.500 hockey team with their current assets, then there's zero logic in keeping them around much longer. Players like Holmstrom and Schaefer are proving they can lead a new crop of players on Long Island to get this team back into the postseason as soon as possible.

That can't happen with the current bunch, and they're proving it more often than not. We'll see what Mathieu Darche, Patrick Roy, and the powers that be decide to do.