New York Islanders could have crowded blue line following 2025 NHL Draft

Looking at New York Islanders' blue line depth chart

Daily Faceoff shows the New York Islanders’ blue line pretty much as it was last season. The top pairing consists of Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson. No surprise there. The only hitch is re-signing both players.

The second pair is the reliable deuce of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. In the bottom pair, Scott Perunovich and Scott Mayfield are slated to hit the ice. It’s worth pointing out that Perunovich is also an RFA.

So, if we look at the players actually under contract, the Islanders have just five defensemen: Pulock. Pelech, Mayfield, Adam Boqvist, and Isaiah George.

I have to say I like the idea of Isaiah George making the team next season. That could squeeze Perunovich out of the picture. I also think Samuel Bolduc deserves a solid shot at making the team.

If we consider Bolduc getting a shot, George, Dobson, and Romanov, the Islanders could have as many as eight defenseman who could be in the mix. It’s doubtful the club has enough cap space to carry all eight. That means someone will have to go.

Boqvist and George are good options as they are on cheap contracts. Romanov looks like he’s staying put. That situation could mean the squeeze play might lead the Islanders to move on from Dobson, patchwork their blue line depth next season, and leave an open spot for Schaefer to step in and take over the reins.