NY Islanders head coach Patrick Roy isn't concerned about Simon Holmstrom's slow start

After having a breakout season in 2024-25, Simon Holmstrom was one NY Islanders’ players expected to take that next big jump this season.

After stating the season on the third line with JG Pageau and Max Shabanov, he’s since been relegated to fourth-line duties.

Roy isn't worried about Holmstrom

Through five games, the 24-year-old Swede has averaged just 11:45 TOI - more than five minutes below last year's season average of 16:52.

Holmstrom has recorded an assist on opening night, but has been held pointless since, and is a -4 on the season.

Perhaps the most discouraging statistic for Holmstrom is his two shots on the season. While some may be worried about his inability to get pucks through towards the net this season, Patrick Roy sees no cause for concern.

“Stats are for you, not for me,” Roy told reporters this morning. “Do you want a guy shooting in the shin pads or missing the net because there’s no option? I mean, I think guys are smart enough to read if it’s an opportunity for a good shot or not, and I’m sure he would take those shots if he can. So I don’t really make a big deal of this.”

Despite his lack of point production, Holmstrom remains one of Roy’s top options on the PK, playing 7:54 while a man down this season, third among forwards behind Bo Horvat and Pageau. 

Holmstrom hasn’t played on the man-advantage to this point after being one of the team's first options on the power play last year. But if he sees his numbers begin to improve, he could very well become another option for Roy.