NY Islanders projected lines show crucial holes

The NY Islanders have gotten the business of training camp underway with the rookies hitting the ice. The future looks bright in Long Island with a plethora of high-end talent on the way.

But before those rising stars can become household NHL names, the 2025-26 season will play out with the team’s current veteran-led roster. Despite important moves to upgrade the roster, the Islanders have crucial holes in the forward group.

So, here’s a look at three crucial holes that will need to be addressed if the NY Islanders want to return to the postseason in 2025-26.

3 holes to fill in NY Islanders forward group in 2025-26

Top-line right wing

The first major hole to fill is the right-wing spot on the top line. That role belonged to Mathew Barzal the last couple of seasons.

However, Brock Nelson’s departure last season opened up a spot on the second line (more on that in a minute). So, Barzal is projected, according to Daily Faceoff, to take over that 2C role.

Under the assumption, Kyle Palmieri moves up to the top-line right-wing slot. Palmieri is a fine player, but the Isles could do better. This situation makes me think Kirill Kaprizov would look amazing in this spot.

While the Islanders may not be able to land Kaprizov, they’ll need to find someone who could fill that role. The Isles may need to wait till the trade market opens up before potentially making a move.

Second-line center

The second-line center role is just fine with Barzal in that role. But if Barzal jumps back into the top line, there will be a gaping hole in that spot.

JG Pageau filled that role following Nelson’s departure last season. He did all right, but an upgrade may be needed. One name that’s been floating around is Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha. I’m not quite sure Zacha would be an upgrade over Pageau. But that’s the sort of deal the Islanders may need to explore.

Some teams may call it a year early in the season. So, the Islanders may have a chance to pluck someone for a relatively low price.

In the meantime, Calum Ritchie should get a long look. In my estimation, he should make the team. If Ritchie proves he’s ready for the NHL, he could alleviate some of the pressure in finding a middle-six center. That’s a bit of wishful thinking, but it’s something that GM Mathieu Darche could be looking at.

Third line

The entire third line looks a bit wonky. Pageau is a fine 3C. He should do well playing about 15 minutes a night, drawing assignments across various situations. The wings, however, could use some tweaking.

Anthony Duclair is projected in the third-line left-wing spot. Duclair is better than that. But his down season last year likely drops him down. If he bounces back, there won’t be anywhere to really place him. Could he drop Jonathan Drouin from Bo Horvat’s line? Not likely.

He could push captain Anders Lee for a spot on the second line. But then again, a solid season from Lee could leave Duclair stuck on the third line. That situation may ultimately become counterproductive for last offseason’s most-hyped acquisition.

Simon Holmstrom is projected to be on the third-line right wing slot. Holmstrom scored 20 goals last season and should get a shot on the second line. However, the expectation is that newcomer Maxim Shabanov could land that spot.

Shabanov is good, but he’s a wild card. There’s no telling what he could provide. Shabanov would be better off starting on the third line than on the second.

Regardless of where Holmstrom or Shabanov play, the Islanders may be in the market for a middle-six winger. Unless Holmstrom, Shabanov, and Maxim Tsyplakov have big seasons, the Islanders may be forced to shop for a reliable, veteran middle-six winger who could potentially play on both sides of the ice.