NY Islanders near the end of camp, still some intriguing battles and decisions to be made

Coach Roy's feelings on Duclair, Isaiah George and declares Lee fit for next preseason game

It looks like the Islanders captain, Anders Lee, will be available for the game again the Philadelphia Flyers on October 2nd. According to the Isles Head Coach Patrick Roy, Lee has been cleared by staff to play after suffering the dreaded "upper body" injury earlier in camp. Roy stated that he is excited to see the combo of Lee and Matthew Barzal play a full season together, rekindling the chemistry they've had in the past. Roy stated that he has been rewatching past Islanders playoff series of the two, commenting on how well they compliment each other in the offensive zone and on power play. The pair of high-profile forwards need to have a productive and healthy season if the Islanders expect to make a run at returning to the playoffs.

The Islanders appeared to have settled on David Rittich being their backup goalie to start the 2025/26 NHL season. Rittich, 33, didn't have the best game against the Rangers in his last outing on Monday night. He let two of the first three shots in, as the team fell to their crosstown rival 3-2 in OT. He beat out last years' backup netminder, Marcus Hogberg, who cleared waivers and reported to the Isles AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, CT. Rittich may or may not be what the team needs to give their star goaltender Ilya Sorokin the night off, but only time will tell. If Rittich isn't the answer to replacing the M.I.A. Semyon Varlamov, who was the second-choice goalie to start last season, then Hogberg is a player the team knows and can be comfortable playing in front of him. Facing shots regularly in Bridgeport will keep the 31 year-old Swede in better shape if or when the Islanders need him.

With the game against the Flyers tonight, Isaiah George still finds himself fighting for a roster spot on defense. George got a chance last season to prove he's an NHL-caliber blueliner but struggled around the New Year and finished the season in the AHL. When asked about George making it this far into camp still fighting for a job, coach Roy stated that it was great experience for the 21-year-old. He felt that George, being in a battle for the final spot with either Ethan Bear and Adam Boqvist, will help his development in the long run. It doesn't make sense to have a young player be the seventh defenseman and spend more time in the stands than on the ice, but the decision will be made on his future in the coming days. When Roy was asked about forward Anthony Duclair, Roy praised his versatility and ability to adapt playing on several different lines. Duclair struggled mightily last season, taking a personal leave from the team. Duclair is another player needing to earn their ice-time and has to be better than the 11 points he scored last season.